2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (9/7)
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
Italy vs. Latvia
Italy was clobbered by the United States in the quarterfinal matchup, losing 100-63. They're not 4-2 and will take on a Latvia team that fell to Germany in a nail-biter. Italy doesn't have much depth. They've primarily relied on Simone Fontecchio, who has added 18.3 points per game on nearly 30 minutes per night. He's averaged 15 shots a game and has hit just 23.9% from three. That's never good when your primary scorer isn't shooting efficiently. On the other hand, Latvia out-shot Germany in its quarterfinal game. But a poor second quarter ruined everything. Latvia doesn't have much of a bench, either. However, they've got more efficient scorers between Davis Bertans and Arturs Zagars. I'll back Latvia in the loser's bracket.
Pick: Latvia +1.5 (-110)
Lithuania vs. Slovenia
Suddenly, Lithuania couldn't make shots in their quarterfinal game against Serbia. Lithuania blitzed the United States in the game before but lost to Serbia, 87-68 last time out. They turned the ball over 15 times and were out-rebounded by five against Serbia. They also watched Serbia shoot 55% from the field and nearly 41% from three in that game. Lithuania got nothing from its bench. They'll face a Slovenia team that couldn't stand against Canada in their quarterfinal game. Slovenia lost to Canada, 100-89, despite shooting 48.4% from three in that game. Luka Doncic added 26 points, but no other player in the starting five scored more than 10. Doncic needs some help! I'll back Lithuania here. They're much better than that last game against Serbia.
Pick: Lithuania -3.5 (-110)
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