Back-to-back wins in seven preseason friendlies had given the Serbian basketball team a boost of optimism. They headed into EuroBasket 2025 and carried the momentum straight into the tournament as Serbia opened their campaign with a dominant (98–64) win over Estonia.
Fans and analysts alike were already envisioning a deep run, especially with Bogdan Bogdanović leading the way. But just as Serbia’s campaign seemed destined for a strong push, dark clouds loomed over their second matchup as an unexpected injury struck one of their biggest stars.
What Is the Latest Update on Bogdan Bogdanović’s Injury?
The setback came during Serbia’s August 29 clash with Portugal as disaster struck late in the first half, as Bogdanović went down clutching his hamstring after a fast-break drive.
The Los Angeles Clippers guard immediately signaled discomfort and limped off the court. Moreover, he did not return for the rest of the contest. Hours later, the Serbian Basketball Federation confirmed the worst possible news. It was that Bogdanović had suffered a significant hamstring injury and would miss the rest of EuroBasket 2025.
“Bogdanovic has been diagnosed with a hamstring muscle tear which will keep him out of the rest of the championship. In agreement with Bogdan and his club, the Los Angeles Clippers, the captain will spend the next period going through intensive therapies in the United States to recover as fast as possible,” read a part of the statement as per FIBA.
It is feared that the Clippers’ Bogdan Bogdanović will miss the rest of @EuroBasket after sustaining a hamstring injury. Tournament favorites Serbia obviously still have Nikola Jokić but have lost their captain. https://t.co/wuvQhU0yXs
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 31, 2025
Despite the setback, Serbia showed resilience against Portugal. From the opening tip Serbia controlled the tempo as they led by four points after the first quarter and even stretched that advantage to 10 by halftime. Even though Portugal mounted a small surge in the fourth, scoring 20 points, Serbia closed strong (80–69).
Before he exited the game, Bogdanović contributed seven points, five rebounds, and one assist. In his absence, Nikola Jokić stepped up magnificently and put up 23 points and 10 rebounds.
With Jokic being… well, Jokic, Serbia beats Portugal, making it 2-for-2 in the #Eurobasket group phase 🇷🇸✅
🇵🇹Portugal – 🇷🇸Serbia 69-80 pic.twitter.com/AejKsdZUaQ
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 29, 2025
If we see that momentum carried into their August 30 battle with Latvia, where Serbia once again showcased their ability to adapt without Bogdanovi, and this time, Jokić was unstoppable as he torched Latvia with 39 points in a hard-fought 84–80 win.
“He’s our leader. When we see him lead the way and do all the things he’s doing over two, three defenders, it just gives everybody else great motivation to step up and do even more. That’s why it was a great team victory,” said Jokić’s teammate Filip Petrusev.
Now all eyes turn to September 1, when Serbia will face the Czech Republic. While Bogdanović’s absence is undeniably a massive loss, the combination of Jokić’s brilliance and the team’s collective resolve suggests Serbia still has the tools to make a statement in the tournament.
