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Will Bronny James play for USC? Schedule, odds and how to watch USC vs. Long Beach State

jon hoefling, usa today
·3 min read
11
Los Angeles, California, USA Southern California Trojans guard Bronny James is greeted by the fans after the game against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Galen Center.
Los Angeles, California, USA Southern California Trojans guard Bronny James is greeted by the fans after the game against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Galen Center.

The Prince who was promised is coming sooner than we realize. Tonight, Bronny James makes his college basketball debut this afternoon as the USC Trojans (5-3) take on the Long Beach State 49ers (6-4) less than six months after James suffered a cardiac arrest.

James likely will not start for the Trojans tonight, but his presence at Galen Center is a big step forward for James. Trojans head coach Andy Enfield has stated that James will be on a minutes limit in his debut. Enfield also stated that while James is expected to play, his official status will be based on how the freshman is feeling as well as the opinions of the coaches, trainers, and doctors in the building.

Here's how to watch this highly anticipated debut.

How to watch the Bronny James game tonight:

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 10

  • Where: Galen Center in Los Angeles

  • Time: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

  • TV: Pac-12 Network

  • Stream: FuboTV

Stream Bronny James' debut: Catch USC Men's Basketball with Fubo

What happened to Bronny James?

On July 24, James suffered a cardiac arrest during a preseason workout. A month later, it was determined that a congenital heart defect was to blame. James was cleared to continue practicing with the Trojans on Thursday. Sunday will be James' first action since the McDonald's All-American game this past spring.

How have the Trojans done without him?

Although the Trojans started the season ranked 22nd in the Coaches Poll, USC suffered early season losses to UC Irvine, Oklahoma, and Gonzaga has pushed them out of the Top-25. Although conference play has not started yet, the Trojans' 5-3 record is fourth-worst in the conference ahead of only UCLA, Stanford, and Cal.

USC Trojans vs. Long Beach State 49ers odds, lines, and trends

The Trojans are favorites to defeat the 49ers, according to the BetMGM NCAA odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NCAA betting promos in 2023.

Betting odds, as of Sunday morning:

  • Spread: USC (-13.5)

  • Moneyline: USC (-1200), Long Beach State (+800)

  • Over/under: 158.5

Predictions:

Sportsbook Wire: USC 84, Long Beach State 69

As the moneyline favorite this season, USC is 5-2. That's not a spectacular record, but given USC's 92.3 percent implied chance of winning, the moneyline is probably a safe bet. On a separate note, the over has hit in 75 percent of USC's games this year. That may be a solid bet as well.

CBS Sports: USC (-13.5)

Cameron Salerno writes, "James is a very good basketball player that should help the Trojans get back on track because he is a perfect role player that can complement Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier in the backcourt. His high basketball IQ and his willingness to be unselfish will make a major impact no matter how many minutes he plays this weekend or going forward."

Dimers: USC 85, Long Beach State 72

Dimers gives Long Beach State a 52 percent chance of covering the spread. They give the under a 52 percent chance of hitting as well. Dimers also offers a hot take, saying that while USC is more likely to win, the Long Beach State moneyline is a better bang-for-your-buck bet.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronny James debut: How to watch USC vs. Long Beach State