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Team USA was back in action on Monday in the first of their five-game tune-up schedule in preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Americans faced off against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks leads the way for coach Steve Kerr's starting five. Brunson is joined by Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico's starting five comprised George Conditt, John Holland, Christopher Ortiz, Isaiah Pineiro and Tremont Waters. The two nations last clashed on Sept. 9, 2022, in the AmeriCup quarterfinals.
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Kerr went with a small lineup against Puerto Rico, with Brandon Ingram as the power forward. Jaren Jackson Jr., the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to wreak havoc on defense, as there's no defensive three-second rule under FIBA guidelines.
Speaking of Jackson, he was named Team USA's best player heading into the 2023 FIBA World Cup by his teammates:
"Jaren, particularly his energy and the way he went to the glass and went to the foul line every other possession," Jalen Brunson told The Athletic. "He was just really a force."
Team USA's schedule before 2023 FIBA World Cup
Apart from their first game against Puerto Rico on Monday, Team USA will have four more games before heading to the Philippines for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Monday's game is the only game to be played on American soil, as the next four will take place in Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
The team is set to fly to Malaga for a couple of tune-up games against Slovenia and Spain on Aug. 12 and 13, respectively. Abu Dhabi will then host USA vs Greece on Aug. 18 and USA vs Germany two days later.
Team USA's first game of the World Cup is on Aug. 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines against New Zealand. They're in Group C along with Greece and Jordan. They are the favorites to progress to the second round, where they could face the likes of Egypt, Mexico, Lithuania and Montenegro.
Despite fielding a young 12-man roster, the latest betting odds favor Team USA to win it all. They're followed by Australia, Serbia, France and dark horse Canada.
