Team USA vs Montenegro odds, picks and prediction for FIBA Basketball World Cup game for Olympics qualifying

So far, Team USA hasn't encountered much resistance at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

In their first three games of the tournament, the Americans won by an average margin of 34.4 points. They have posted the second-most points per game (106.0) among World Cup participants behind only Canada (108.0), shooting over 50 percent from the field.

After dominating the competition in Group C, Team USA will join Greece, Lithuania and Montenegro in Group J. It will start with a key advantage because first-round records carry over into the second round, but head coach Steve Kerr doesn't want his squad to rest on its laurels.

The next step in Team USA's journey toward a gold medal is a battle with Montenegro on Friday. Here is a breakdown of that matchup, including betting odds and the biggest storyline to monitor.

MORE: Inside Austin Reaves' improbable rise to stardom at FIBA World Cup

Team USA vs Montenegro odds

Team USA is a 25.5-point favorite heading into the second-round game against Montenegro. That may seem like a massive spread, but it's actually lower than the spread for Team USA's previous contest against Jordan, which was a 110-62 blowout win for the Americans.

You can take a look at the spread, over/under and moneyline for Team USA vs Montenegro below, courtesy of BetMGM:

Team USA vs Montenegro prediction

Our pick: Team USA -25.5

Team USA won each of its first-round games by at least 27 points. Anthony Edwards has emerged as a go-to scorer, but the second unit has been the real difference-maker.

The bet here is that Montenegro won't be able to keep up with Team USA's firepower. Montenegro is coming off a loss to Lithuania in which it only scored 71 points, and that's not going to cut it against the Americans.

MORE: Which countries have been eliminated from the FIBA World Cup?

Biggest storyline: The starting lineup change

In the win over Jordan, Team USA guard Josh Hart replaced Brandon Ingram in the starting lineup, joining Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr.

There are some concerns about Hart's lack of size (6-4, 215 pounds) against bigger teams — Nikola Vucevic and Jonas Valanciunas play for Montenegro and Lithuania, respectively — but Kerr is confident that Hart's "strength and tenacity" will overcome the height disadvantage. He is currently Team USA's leading rebounder with nine boards per game.

"He's used to guarding bigger guys with all the switching that happens in the NBA, so we go into a game comfortable with Josh as the starting four," Kerr said (via The Athletic's Joe Vardon).

Kerr also believes Ingram will be a better fit with the reserves. The Pelicans forward had seven points, five assists and two rebounds off the bench against Jordan.

"I really liked the lineup shift for [Ingram]," Kerr said. "The game was much smoother. He had five assists. There was more space. He had the ball more. I know he enjoyed it. ... I can't speak highly enough of [Ingram], just his character and the way he handled that because he's not used to coming off the bench and he was playing fine."

MORE: The reason behind Team USA's surprising lineup change

Where to watch Team USA vs Montenegro

• Date: Friday, Sept. 1
• Time: 4:40 a.m. ET | 1:40 a.m. PT
• TV channel: ESPN2
• Live stream: Sling TV | Courtside 1891

Team USA vs Montenegro will air on ESPN2 in the United States. Viewers can also stream the game via Sling TV or catch a replay on Courtside 1891.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sling TV, which is now offering half off your first month! You can stream the sports you love starting at just $20 in your first month with Sling Orange, which includes ESPN2.

Courtside 1891 offers two subscriptions. Courtside 1891 Plus is free and gives you access to "extended highlights and a curated feed for your favorite teams and competition." Courtside 1891 Max is a paid subscription that allows you to watch "live game streams and full game replays."

If you just want to watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup, you can buy a pass for the entire tournament for $9.99. An annual pass, which includes the FIBA Basketball World Cup and other international competitions, costs $44.99. Use code TSN10WC to receive a 10 percent discount.

Geo-restrictions may apply to certain regions. Click here to find out which games are available in your region.

Team USA Classification Round group

Team USA is now part of Group J after winning all three of its first-round games in Group C. Group J also includes Greece, Lithuania and Montenegro.

First-round results from the group stage carry over into the second round, so Team USA currently sits atop the standings. The Americans are in first place because they hold a better point differential than Lithuania.