2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (8/31)
Basketball fans get another treat as the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup tips off! We’ll have you covered over the two weeks of international basketball action. Group stage games will be held across Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan daily as the tournament progresses to the point of crowning a world champion. Check in daily for our best bets for upcoming contests. Here are the top odds, picks and predictions for today’s 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup action.
2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Odds & Picks
Jordan vs. Egypt
The Jordan National Team lost to the United States 110-62. After a 0-3 Group Stage, Jordan will play Egypt in the loser's bracket. Jordan got 20 from Rondar Hollis-Jeffferson, but the rest of the team doesn't have much offensive ability. Meanwhile, Egypt went 1-2 in the Group Stage with a stern victory over Mexico. They shot nearly 61% from the field and dominated the glass against Mexico. While Jordan might have the best player, Egypt probably has more depth. Take Egypt in this one.
Pick: Egypt +2.5 (-105)
Cape Verde vs. Finland
Cape Verde closed out the Group Stage with a loss to Slovenia. They shot 29.2% from downtown and only turned the ball over 19 times. This team needs to be more consistent. However, Willy Tavares has averaged 11.2 points per game and is the program’s leader. On the other hand, Finland took a massive loss to Germany, 101-75, last time out. The defense couldn't get stops, and the turnovers kept piling up. Lauri Markkanen was also just 3-for-11 from the field in that game. However, I think he'll get back on track with more effortless looks against Cape Verde. Back Finland.
Pick: Finland -10 (-108)
Angola vs. China
Angola closed out the Group Stage with a loss to the Dominican Republic. They shot 9.5% from three but only turned the ball over ten times. That's what kept them in the ball game. They've got 11 points per game from Silvio De Sousa in just 13.6 minutes per night. It'll be interesting to see if he gets more minutes against China. Meanwhile, China just lost to Puerto Rico, 107-89. They've probably looked like the worst team in the FIBA World Cup. They had three players in the starting five score eight or fewer and take five or fewer shots. I'll take Angola here.
Pick: Angola -6.5 (-108)
Lebanon vs. Ivory Coast
Lebanon might've lost to France, but the score was respectable. They lost 85-79 to a much better team on paper. They also out-shot France, hitting 49.2% of shots and 30% from downtown. Wael Arakji was impressive, shooting 11-for-17 against France. And while Lebanon might not have a good bench, the starting five has given them some good minutes recently. They'll face Ivory Coast, who just shot under 37% from the field against Brazil. Ivory Coast can make up for their starting lineup with its bench. The bench is probably better than Lebanon's. But overall, I'd still give the edge to Lebanon. They'll play their starters more in this game.
Pick: Lebanon +7.5 (-115)
Japan vs. Venezuela
Japan went 1-2 in the FIBA World Cup Group Stage. They recently allowed Australia to shoot over 52% in a 109-89 loss. The Japanese turned the ball over 15 times and only forced seven turnovers on the other end. Still, Joshua Hawkinson has added 23.3 points per game after a 33-point explosion against Australia. He and Yuta Watanabe have lit up the scoreboard and are two great leaders for this program. On the other hand, Venezuela scored just 59 points against Georgia in their latest loss. Venezuela shot only 37.3% from the field and 24% from three. Give me Japan in this one.
Pick: Japan -10.5 (-110)
South Sudan vs. Philippines
South Sudan allowed Serbia to shoot nearly 62% from the field in their 115-83 loss. South Sudan has the offense to stick with anyone. But the defense has been questionable. The rebounding has also been a significant question mark. Serbia added 38 rebounds to South Sudan's 25 in that last matchup. They'll face a Philippines squad that finished 0-3 in the Group Stage. The Philippines have Jordan Clarkson, who just added 23 points against Italy in a loss. However, the bench is weak, and the team just doesn't have much depth. I'll side with South Sudan.
Pick: South Sudan -1.5 (-110)
France vs. Iran
France finally won a game in the Group Stage. But it was an 85-79 win over Lebanon. That's nothing something to cheer about. Maybe it's time we realize France doesn't have it this year. They were out-shot by Lebanon from the field and three. That's just embarrassing for the French. Meanwhile, they'll face an Iran team that lost to Spain by double-digits. Iran finished the season 0-3 and don't have much going for them. I rode France in their game against Lebanon, and it backfired. But I can't fade this team, especially when looking at them on paper against Iran. Give me France one more time.
Pick: France -20 (-112)
Mexico vs. New Zealand
Mexico went 0-3 throughout the Group Stage portion of the World Cup. Now, they'll face a problematic New Zealand team. Mexico only hit 26.1% of threes against Egypt and shot 43.1%, allowing Egypt to shoot 60.9%. And Egypt isn't that great. The only win for Egypt just came against Mexico. Shea Ili just scored 27 points for New Zealand in a loss to Greece. Finn Delany added a double-double with 14 rebounds. There's enough talent for New Zealand to dominate Mexico in this game. Mexico just lost to Egypt by 20+ points. Meanwhile, New Zealand stayed with the US for an entire half.
Pick: New Zealand -9.0 (-108)
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