In its 19th edition, the major global basketball event is set to tip off tomorrow across Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines, with 32 countries looking to clinch a berth in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The tournament will finish on September 10th with the champions being crowned in Manila.
In addition to shooting for the Naismith Trophy as World Cup champions, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will qualify directly seven national teams for the Olympic Games, with hosts France receiving automatic qualification.
The first round will include the 32 participating teams divided in 8 groups of 4. Then, based on their position, the ones in the first two places of each group will advance to the second round. Direct elimination will continue between teams until the final.
BIG CHANCES FOR THE USA TEAM
USA Basketball enters the event as the front-runner to win after going 5-0 in its recent exhibition schedule. The Americans have taken home the gold medal five times, which is tied for the most wins by a country. They lost in the quarterfinals in their last appearance in 2019. Led by Anthony Edwards, Team USA will open the tournament in Group C on Saturday against New Zealand in Manila, Philippines. They will face Greece on August 28th and Jordan on August 30th to wrap up the group phase.
The United States men’s national team is coached by Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors). Mark Few (Gonzaga Bulldogs), Tyronn Lue (L.A. Clippers) and Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) are Kerr’s assistants. The U.S. roster boasts four NBA All-Stars: Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), and Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans).
Of course, this is not a Dream Team, and it’s clear the program is going through a bit of a transition. Out with the old guard and in with the youth movement. The average age of the team is just 24.6 years old and coach Kerr will have to mold this young group into a winner.
Outside of Team USA, there are other countries that have a strong case to make some noise throughout the tournament. With roughly 60 NBA players set to participate, the competition level figures to be high with such a talented field.
It’s no surprise the FIBA Basketball World Cup odds have Team USA as the betting favorite to bounce back and win its sixth title. But who will challenge the Americans? The defending champs from Spain are going through a transition period, so it might be up to one of Canada, France, or Australia to step up.
BETTING OPPORTUNITIES
Basketball fans looking for their fix during the offseason can check out the FIBA World Cup, and bettors who want to throw down some cash on the tourney can get in on that action, too. Here are the 10 countries with the highest odds of winning the event ahead of the first day of action. Stats come from sportsbooks such as Betfred, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars.
2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Odds
United States: -125 (bet USD 10 to win USD 18 total)
France: +850 (bet USD 10 to win USD 95 total)
Canada: +950 (bet USD 10 to win USD 105 total)
Australia: +1000 (bet USD 10 to win USD 110 total)
Serbia: +1400 (bet USD 10 to win USD 150 total)
Spain: +1600 (bet USD 10 to win USD 170 total)
Slovenia: +2400 (bet USD 10 to win USD 250 total)
Germany: +2700 (bet USD 10 to win USD 280 total)
Greece: +3400 (bet USD 10 to win USD 350 total)
Lithuania: +3600 (bet USD 10 to win USD 370 total)
1) United States. Exhibition Record: 5-0. NBA Players: 12. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 5.
2) France. Exhibition Record: 6-1. NBA Players: 3. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.
3) Canada. Exhibition Record: 3-2. NBA Players: 7. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.
4) Australia. Exhibition Record: 4-1. NBA Players: 9. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.
5) Serbia. 1400. Exhibition Record: 4-1. NBA Players: 4. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.
6) Spain. Exhibition Record: 3-2. NBA Players: 1. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 2.
7) Slovenia. Exhibition Record: 3-4. NBA Players: 1. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.
8) Germany. Exhibition Record: 4-2. NBA Players: 4. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.
9) Greece. Exhibition Record: 2-4. NBA Players: 1. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.
10) Lithuania. Exhibition Record: 9-2. NBA Players: 2. FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles: 0.