In a mere week, the much-anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup kicks off on August 25. This exhilarating competition will unfold across three nations: Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, offering a whirlwind of 92 games within just 16 days, culminating in the climactic final on September 10.
Adding a special touch to the spectacle, the Naismith Trophy embarked on an epic journey, visiting each of the 32 competing nations before returning to be triumphantly lifted by the victorious team in September.
The tournament kicks off with eight groups of four teams each. Advancing to the next phase, the leading two from each group vie for quarter-final glory, while the third and fourth battle it out for rankings in the 17th to 32nd slots.
The records from initial group stages stay intact as teams proceed. In this round, each squad faces competitors from different opening groups, meaning Canada and France, if they advance together, won’t meet again.
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Our extensive analysis across major betting platforms dives into the intricacies of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, particularly zooming in on Team Canada's prospects to bring home the coveted trophy.
For fans and teams alike, Manila in the Philippines will be the hotbed of action during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, with all games from the quarter-finals onwards lighting up the Mall of Asia Arena, alongside some initial clashes.
The iconic Araneta Coliseum is set to host the bustling group stage matches early in the tournament. An exclusive game at the Philippine Arena on the opening day sees the hosts battle the Dominican Republic, marking the arena's solo appearance.
In Japan, the Okinawa Arena becomes the battlefield for group and second-round matches, while in Jakarta, the Indonesia Arena hosts similar stages for their competitions.
Canada steps into the action in Group H, initially clashing with three formidable teams, which we’ll explore further below. Positioned 15th in the world, Canada is all geared up for its Jakarta adventure.
A pressing issue looms: Will Jamal Murray join Team Canada? A vital piece in the Denver Nuggets' NBA Championship triumph last year, Murray is recovering from an injury, with his participation hanging in the balance as the tournament nears.
Without Murray, Team Canada feels a pinch, yet they boast stars like RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose remarkable NBA performances for the Knicks and Thunder bring a ray of hope.
For Canada, finishing as one of the top two teams from the Americas at this coveted event secures an Olympic berth for 2024 in Paris, adding an extra layer of motivation for the squad.
The Philippines find themselves in an intriguing group with Italy, the Dominican Republic, and Angola. Their rich history includes a 1954 bronze, but recent ventures haven’t been as fruitful, reflecting a 1-9 record in the last two World Cup forays.
The Dominican Republic squad features a couple of NBA talents and currently stands 24th in global rankings. With a history lacking World Cup achievements, this year’s relatively weaker group presents a prime opportunity.
Italy, proud Olympic silver medalists in 1980 and 2004, currently ranks in the world’s top 10. While their credentials can be debated, they’re certainly aiming for at least a spot in the quarter-finals.
Veterans of eight tournaments, Angola, never fail to depart without a victory, a stat that should give hosts a pause for thought.
In Group B, China's journey includes facing Puerto Rico, South Sudan, and Serbia. Historically a sports powerhouse, basketball hasn’t yielded top results – their tenth World Cup appearance finds them yet to surpass an eighth-place finish.
1990 saw Puerto Rico reach their highest peak at the semi-finals of this tournament. Their steady performances in the Pan American and FIBA AmeriCup are noteworthy, and with Serbia expected to top the group, they’re aiming for that close second spot.
Discussing Serbia, they’ve twice clinched victory during their Yugoslav days, reaching the final in 2014 but falling to the USA. Anything less than a quarter-final appearance would be a colossal upset.
Finally, South Sudan enters the World Cup arena for the first time. A FIBA member since 2013, their 11-1 qualifying record is impressive, with Wenyen Gabriel, noted for his tenure with six NBA teams including the Lakers, leading the charge.
Though not quite a ‘Dream Team’ lineup, the USA remains overwhelming favorites to seize the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, facing Greece, Jordan, and New Zealand in group stages.
With an NBA-star-studded roster under Steve Kerr’s seasoned eye, the USA squad possesses the expertise and raw talent to dominate, seeking redemption from a stinging seventh-place in 2019.
Greece presents a respectable challenge, keeping the USA on their toes. Though Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence due to injury stings, their depth ensures they remain competitive sans the seven-time NBA All-Star.
Dubbed the ‘Tall Blacks,’ New Zealand has delivered basketball surprises, often against Australia. Meanwhile, Jordan, grabbing just a single victory in ten World Cup outings, appears unlikely to evolve in 2023.
Mexico faces Egypt, Lithuania, and Montenegro. Lithuania’s passion for basketball is unparalleled, ranking seventh globally. Despite their compact population, they wield a formidable squad.
Jonas Valančiūnas, a known figure among Canadian fans, played for Toronto before joining the New Orleans Pelicans. Eager to lead Lithuania past the early rounds, this 2011 fifth overall pick sees reluctant glory as a Raptor's NBA title eludes him.
Montenegro mirrors Lithuania in being small yet mighty, with Nikola Vučević, a recognizable center for the Bulls, hoping to propel them into the second round.
Facing stiff competition, Mexico and Egypt confront daunting tasks, with Egypt notably the lowest-ranked, and Mexico likely in a fight for third-best, saving prime performances for USA matchups.
Japan hosts in a challenging group alongside Germany, Australia, and Finland. Germany particularly shines as a powerhouse, narrowly missing consecutive wins against Canada and bagging EuroBasket bronze in 2022.
Australia is a rising basketball force, sending an array of talent to the NBA. Holding the third rank globally, they have their eyes set on a landmark tournament run, a feat yet unachieved.
Both Japan and Finland find themselves outmatched in this group. For Japan, crowd support becomes crucial as they seek to perform respectably at home.
In Group F, Slovenia clashes with Cape Verde, Georgia, and Venezuela. With Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks as their beacon, Slovenia aspires to emulate their Olympic semi-final run at Tokyo 2020.
Venezuela hopes to trail Slovenia into the second round, leveraging their FIBA AmeriCup 2015 triumph, while Georgia looks to edge Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to qualify.
Spain holds ambitious aspirations, with their group comprising Iran, Ivory Coast, and Brazil posing minimal resistance to their path forward.
Defending champions Spain feel a weighty burden unfamiliar to them. With gold from 2006 and multiple Olympic silvers, they’re no strangers to Euroleague excellence.
Ranked 22nd globally, Iran holds three FIBA Asia Cup victories, the latest in 2013. Ivory Coast, gearing for their fifth World Cup presence, awaits their breakthrough moment.
Basketball in Brazil boasts a storied tradition. As three-time Olympic bronze medalists, winners of this tournament twice, in 1959 and 1963, they aim for advancement alongside Spain.
Is Canada ready to take on the challenge of the FIBA Basketball World Cup?
The FIBA Basketball World Cup is scheduled to occur from August 25 to September 10, with the exciting event taking place simultaneously in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The anticipation is building as the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup is just days away on August 25. The thrilling competition will have its games split among Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. Fans can look forward to an action-packed 16 days featuring a total of 92 games, culminating in the final showdown on September 10.
A delightful aspect of this tournament has been the trophy tour, where the prestigious Naismith Trophy traveled to each of the 32 participating countries, making its way back to the tournament to be lifted by the victorious team in September.
The tournament kicks off with eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, while the 3rd and 4th place teams enter a separate pool to determine positions 17 through 32.
Teams carry over their records from the initial group stage to the second round, where each team faces two opponents from different initial groups. So, if Canada and France both move forward, they'll find themselves in the same second-round group, though they won't face each other again.
Let's take a closer look at Team Canada's prospects for bringing home the trophy as reviewed by some of the industry's biggest oddmakers.
For the best basketball action during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, is the place to be. It will host all games from the quarter-final round and some from the earlier stages.
