IN an elimination clash tonight at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Australian Boomers will need to be firing on all cylinders if they are to defeat Serbia in the Qualifying Final, which kicks off at 10:30pm AEDT.

It may not have been a textbook journey to secure a spot past the group stage, but the Boomers are through, set to face off against Nikola Jokic and Serbia in an enthralling matchup. With its back against the wall, expect Australia to leave it all on the floor to try and keep its medal dreams alive.

Australian Boomers vs. Serbia

When is the game?

The game will take place on Tuesday, August 6 at 10:30pm AEST, in Australia’s latest game of the Olympics to date.

Who are the key players for Australia?

There are a number of key figures looming for the Aussies, with the Boomers needing big performances if they are to get the job done. Front and centre for this is veteran guard Patrick Mills, who is a barometer of sorts for the team. He has been arguably Australia’s greatest ever performer at international level, having willed the team to victory on so many occasions.

However, he has not hit his match-winning heights throughout the 2024 Olympics. Serbia looms as a big chance for him to hit the scoreboard in a big way, as the backcourt is its weakest position, and if he can pour in 25-30 points, it will go a long way. In Australia’s recent exhibition clash against Serbia, Mills poured in 28 points and five assists, so he likes this matchup.

Another central figure for the Aussies is Josh Green, who has not been at his best so far throughout the Olympics. Coming off an NBA Finals campaign, it was a tight turnaround for the two-way wing. The fatigue looks to be proving costly, as he has not been able to impact to his true potential on either end of the floor. If he can step up for 10-15 points tonight, it will help the Aussies get the job done.

Who are the key players for Serbia?

Probably the easiest question surrounding this match, given Serbia will head into the game with three-time NBA MVP Jokic set to play a key role in the frontcourt. The best player in the world at the moment, the big man has helped spark a serious increase in emphasis on passing the ball for his side. Against South Sudan, Serbia had just one basket that was unassisted for the entire match, with Jokic setting up a large chunk of those plays. He is also a masterful scorer and rebounder, and is the biggest factor in the entire match, so expect the Boomers big men in Jock Landale and Will Magnay to have their hands full for the entire match.

Prediction

If Australia’s big men can avoid foul trouble against Jokic, and Mills delivers a vintage performance, the Boomers should get the job done in a tight affair.