FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 - Betting and Discussions

[passwordnow]

Eric Gordon was allowed and given permission by FIBA to represent the Bahamas. He played with team USA before and even got the world championship. This may not that be much for some teams are he's likely pass his prime but he could be a good boost to the team.
News: Eric Gordon cleared to play with Bahamas despite suiting up with Team USA
          Suns Guard Eric Gordon Officially With Bahamas National Team

That's good news for the Bahamas team. I've read this somewhere too but thank you for providing the source.

Eric Gordon already played for Team USA at the 2010 FIBA World Cup averaging 8.6 points per game, but according to 10th Year Seniors USA Basketball granted Gordon’s release and FIBA approved “his change of country representation due to Article 22 of its internal regulations”.

https://www.eurohoops.net/en/national-teams/1537379/eric-gordon-bahamas-olympic-pre-qualifying-tournament/

You're welcome!

Eric Gordon was allowed and given permission by FIBA to represent the Bahamas. He played with team USA before and even got the world championship. This may not that be much for some teams are he's likely pass his prime but he could be a good boost to the team.
News: Eric Gordon cleared to play with Bahamas despite suiting up with Team USA
          Suns Guard Eric Gordon Officially With Bahamas National Team

This happens very frequently in Basketball. In order to perform well, countries all around the world rope in American players and then naturalize them and give them passports. Same has happened with Eric Gordon. He was born in Indianapolis and doesn't have any connection with Bahamas. Before he switched to that country n 7th August, in all probability he didn't even visited that country once. This puts other nations who can't afford to purchase American players at a disadvantage. I believe that FIBA do have strict limits on the number of naturalized players who can be included in the squad. But even then, this is not a good precedent.

True, it's happening everywhere and in every country. They're improving their roster by adopting a new player even if it takes to be naturalized. Some countries are even requiring a rule of law of it to be passed for someone's naturalization. And FIBA allows that so basically, as long as it shoots to the law set by FIBA, it's totally fine.

[1715420687]

1715420687

[1715420687]

1715420687

[1715420687]

1715420687

[Sithara007]

True, it's happening everywhere and in every country. They're improving their roster by adopting a new player even if it takes to be naturalized. Some countries are even requiring a rule of law of it to be passed for someone's naturalization. And FIBA allows that so basically, as long as it shoots to the law set by FIBA, it's totally fine.

If that is the case, then the loophole needs to be eliminated. From what I have seen in other sports, this trend of "purchasing players" disproportionately impacts the poorer nations (especially those in Asia and Africa). Bahamas may be able to make use of Eric Gordon, and they may manage to qualify for high profile tournaments. But I am afraid that it will come at the cost of poorer nations in the region, who can't afford to have these NBA players in their teams. I am sure that FIBA is looking closely in to this issue and thinking about changing their eligibility criteria.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

It’s too bad Andrew Wiggins isn’t on the Canadian team. They could use him.

I haven’t looked at the odds on this but you have to assume that the United States pulls out a win in the Finals right? From what I’ve been hearing about Kerr and his utilization of small ball to create matchup nightmares for the other teams it seems like they’re expecting the USA to be a lock.

Yeah, when I saw the lineup vs Germany I was surprised. He wasn't even on the roster.
Same with Jamal Murray, he didn't play so I had to check why. He was shut down for all the exhibition matches before the world cup because of injury concerns.

I know I said Canada for me is a top 2 team, but that was with those 2 players.

Without them, and seeing how they played against Germany with out one of their best scorers and without their best defender, they seemed without any real plan what to do.
There is a lot of work in the next 2 weeks if they want to achieve something at the tournament.

[Beparanf]

Am I right that the most favorite teams on the FIBA are Canada, USA and Australia? I didn’t check the odds on sportsbook but looking on the roster of FIBA country participants shows that they are the country that have the most NBA players on their team especially Canada that is full pack with current best scorer like Murray and Shai.

I think Canada has a chance to demolish US because there's no veteran player that will lead them on the floor.

[danherbias07]

Am I right that the most favorite teams on the FIBA are Canada, USA and Australia? I didn’t check the odds on sportsbook but looking on the roster of FIBA country participants shows that they are the country that have the most NBA players on their team especially Canada that is full pack with current best scorer like Murray and Shai.

I think Canada has a chance to demolish US because there's no veteran player that will lead them on the floor.

You can check the first page. I posted the odds of each team and the numbers are from Stake.com.
Yes, Australia is in the 4th favorite to win this FIBA World Cup. They are to Slovenia where Luka Doncic is.

In groups, Australia is also the favorite to win Group E, which is kind of amazing because in that group are Germany and Finland who shocked most of the basketball fans in the EuroBasket. Finland especially, big change with Lauri Markkanen on their roster.

Back to the Australia Basketball team. Here is their roster.
https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1655364143585849344?s=20

Josh Giddey. I have been following this young player in the NBA. A star in the making too and I bet he will be a big impact for the Australian team.

[Questat]

Am I right that the most favorite teams on the FIBA are Canada, USA and Australia? I didn’t check the odds on sportsbook but looking on the roster of FIBA country participants shows that they are the country that have the most NBA players on their team especially Canada that is full pack with current best scorer like Murray and Shai.

I think Canada has a chance to demolish US because there's no veteran player that will lead them on the floor.

You can check the first page. I posted the odds of each team and the numbers are from Stake.com.
Yes, Australia is in the 4th favorite to win this FIBA World Cup. They are to Slovenia where Luka Doncic is.

In groups, Australia is also the favorite to win Group E, which is kind of amazing because in that group are Germany and Finland who shocked most of the basketball fans in the EuroBasket. Finland especially, big change with Lauri Markkanen on their roster.

Back to the Australia Basketball team. Here is their roster.
https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1655364143585849344?s=20

Josh Giddey. I have been following this young player in the NBA. A star in the making too and I bet he will be a big impact for the Australian team.

With tons of NBA players on the team, it's no wonder they are one of the favorites to win the FIBA World Cup. What I appreciate about Team Australia is their pesky defense; they do not give their opponents easy baskets. They love to challenge them on the court, so betting on them with attractive odds seems reasonable.

Although Team USA has been favored to win, in my opinion, this tournament is highly unpredictable.

Patty Mills and Joe Ingles are deadly 3 point shooters, I hope they'll have a great performance.

[Viscore]

Bad news for Greece: Giannis won't be in the FIBA World Cup. Here's the full story.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/giannis-antetokounmpo-to-miss-2023-fiba-world-cup-to-recover-from-knee-surgery/

Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play for Greece in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar announced on his social media accounts on Friday. Antetokounmpo had minor surgery on his knee earlier in the offseason.

Antetokounmpo's full statement:

Everyone knows my passion and love for my National Team has and never will change. Since the conclusion of my NBA season I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set.

But after months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff it is clear that i am not ready to compete in the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup. This was not a choice but my only option in ensuring I get back to the level of basketball I have worked so hard to achieve so far in my career. I am extremely disappointed in this outcome but this was a decision made with the medical staff. I'm going to continue to push myself to be ready for the next time my name is called. My personal, and our ultimate team goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics games and it will be an honor to represent my National Team next year.

This is not a favorable situation for Greece; their best player won't be able to play. Consequently, I believe they have a diminished chance of winning the tournament. Currently ranked number 9 in the world, they are considered a strong team. However, without Giannis, they won't be as competitive as before.

ranking
https://www.fiba.basketball/rankingmen

[harizen]

This is not a favorable situation for Greece; their best player won't be able to play. Consequently, I believe they have a diminished chance of winning the tournament. Currently ranked number 9 in the world, they are considered a strong team. However, without Giannis, they won't be as competitive as before.

Read this a while ago and that's a big blow for Team Greece.

Without Giannis, the team even failed to win their tune-up match against Serbia and Italy which are considered powerhouse teams. Although looking at their group bracket, I think Greece can handle those teams except for Team USA because of an obvious reason.

It's also sad for us, PH basketball fans here, as one of the hosts of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup, not to witness Giannis playing in action.

[passwordnow]

True, it's happening everywhere and in every country. They're improving their roster by adopting a new player even if it takes to be naturalized. Some countries are even requiring a rule of law of it to be passed for someone's naturalization. And FIBA allows that so basically, as long as it shoots to the law set by FIBA, it's totally fine.

If that is the case, then the loophole needs to be eliminated. From what I have seen in other sports, this trend of "purchasing players" disproportionately impacts the poorer nations (especially those in Asia and Africa). Bahamas may be able to make use of Eric Gordon, and they may manage to qualify for high profile tournaments. But I am afraid that it will come at the cost of poorer nations in the region, who can't afford to have these NBA players in their teams. I am sure that FIBA is looking closely in to this issue and thinking about changing their eligibility criteria.

You don't say that, if it's about the "poorer" nations I don't think that they don't really have a budget for these purchases. Once they're able to develop and their game plan on how they're going to stay for long on these competitions, eventually, they're going to open up more budget into landing these good players into their national teams. There are committed NBA players that don't forget to play to their "poor" nations which where they have originated with, that's why it's not a problem of budget constraints because they still look where they have come from.

[Sithara007]

Bad news for Greece: Giannis won't be in the FIBA World Cup. Here's the full story.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/giannis-antetokounmpo-to-miss-2023-fiba-world-cup-to-recover-from-knee-surgery/

LOL.. this makes the job of predicting the matches much easier. I really don't think that Greece has got any chances now, without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the squad. And don't forget that Greece this time is placed in a very tough group. They are facing United States, New Zealand and Jordan in Group C. There is a good chance that they won't be able to qualify for the second round. That said, even without Giannis they have some very good players, such as Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Georgios Papagiannis. But none of them can fill the gap left by Giannis.

[danherbias07]

Bad news for Greece: Giannis won't be in the FIBA World Cup. Here's the full story.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/giannis-antetokounmpo-to-miss-2023-fiba-world-cup-to-recover-from-knee-surgery/

LOL.. this makes the job of predicting the matches much easier. I really don't think that Greece has got any chances now, without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the squad. And don't forget that Greece this time is placed in a very tough group. They are facing United States, New Zealand and Jordan in Group C. There is a good chance that they won't be able to qualify for the second round. That said, even without Giannis they have some very good players, such as Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Georgios Papagiannis. But none of them can fill the gap left by Giannis.

That's true.
About that, let's check their roster.
https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1681946211387944960

It will be hard to believe they will win their group with this roster. Giannis is their best chance, after him two players who are both Antetokounmpo's are the most known players on their roster. With the USA team in their bracket, I guess we all know who will win that. I won't get my hopes high when they face them but they may have a chance against other teams although it's pointless if they cannot beat the strongest.

It looks like the FIBA is going to be really competitive this year.
Here is one good news in the friendly games at Aegean Acropolis Tournament.
fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023/news/are-italy-the-hottest-team-in-town-after-sweep-in-athens

MIES (Switzerland) - Italy look like one of the hottest World Cup-bound national teams as they remain undefeated in exhibition games leading up to the main event.

It's getting more exciting as we get near the date of the event.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

This is not a favorable situation for Greece; their best player won't be able to play. Consequently, I believe they have a diminished chance of winning the tournament. Currently ranked number 9 in the world, they are considered a strong team. However, without Giannis, they won't be as competitive as before.

Read this a while ago and that's a big blow for Team Greece.

Without Giannis, the team even failed to win their tune-up match against Serbia and Italy which are considered powerhouse teams. Although looking at their group bracket, I think Greece can handle those teams except for Team USA because of an obvious reason.

It's also sad for us, PH basketball fans here, as one of the hosts of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup, not to witness Giannis playing in action.

I expected this since he didnt participate in any warm up games yet, also there were no real new of why he is not with the team.
That's a blow for the tournament, now the biggest name in the world cup is Luka, since the Joker and Giannis are out.
How funny this is, the 3 biggest names are all Europeans. 

Yesterday I watched Lithuania vs France, a hard fought match. In this condition though I don't see France as a contender. They showed a lot of problems scoring the ball. Teams like the US, Canada (if Murray is playing, and Wiggins) and Spain are a whole different caliber.
With Greece and Serbia losing their biggest stars, these teams are pretty much a no chance to win in my eyes.

[Distinctin]

I expected this since he didnt participate in any warm up games yet, also there were no real new of why he is not with the team.
That's a blow for the tournament, now the biggest name in the world cup is Luka, since the Joker and Giannis are out.
How funny this is, the 3 biggest names are all Europeans. 

I'm not up to date. Has there been any news about Jokic being out of the World Cup? The latest news I followed was about Giannis being out for Greece. What about Luka? Is he also out?

Teams that lose their best NBA players are expected to face challenges. Take Team Philippines as an example; they only have one NBA player, Jordan Clarkson. If he's unable to play for any reason, Philippines wouldn't have a chance to win or even be competitive.

[danherbias07]

I'm not up to date. Has there been any news about Jokic being out of the World Cup? The latest news I followed was about Giannis being out for Greece. What about Luka? Is he also out?

Luka Doncic is already playing even the friendly games so he is good to go. I was worried when he was hurt during the game against Greece but thankfully he came back the next game and he was stronger.
Giannis is out, that's legit.
Nikola Jokic is not seen yet in friendly games and according to ESPN, he will skip the FIBA World Cup.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38063582/source-nikola-jokic-skip-fiba-world-cup-serbia

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic will not play for the Serbian national team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup as he rests from Denver's extended postseason run, coach Svetislav Pesic announced on Monday.

He played for a long time in the NBA, the whole season, the playoffs, and the Finals, so I guess he is just taking care of himself to avoid injuries due to over-fatigue.

Teams that lose their best NBA players are expected to face challenges. Take Team Philippines as an example; they only have one NBA player, Jordan Clarkson. If he's unable to play for any reason, Philippines wouldn't have a chance to win or even be competitive.

But let's see, they are putting high odds to win for teams with NBA players but some teams are getting competitive because of it. Take Italy for example finishing a sweep in Aegean Acropolis Tournament with Simone Fontecchio as their only NBA player and yet they are now +5 in the rankings.
We will see some difference once the event starts and I think they will try their best against the favorites like USA and Canada to prove how strong their country's basketball team is.

[Distinctin]

As I read through the updates on the World Cup, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Philippines is currently in the top 20 of the power rankings.

#23 Georgia Georgia (=)
#22 Japan Japan (-8)
#21 Montenegro Montenegro (+4)
#20 Philippines Philippines (+2)
#19 China China (+2)
#18 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (+2)
#17 New Zealand New Zealand (-1)

https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023/news/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2023-power-rankings-volume-ii

Take a look at the countries ranked closely to them—Japan and China. Although they competed in the FIBA ASIA, I didn't perceive them to be as close during the actual game. As the explanation goes, JC's potential impact on the team might have contributed to their improved ranking.

So with thisd development, I am now incline to believe that the Philippines has chance of winning in the first round.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

As I read through the updates on the World Cup, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Philippines is currently in the top 20 of the power rankings.

#23 Georgia Georgia (=)
#22 Japan Japan (-8)
#21 Montenegro Montenegro (+4)
#20 Philippines Philippines (+2)
#19 China China (+2)
#18 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (+2)
#17 New Zealand New Zealand (-1)

https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023/news/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2023-power-rankings-volume-ii

Take a look at the countries ranked closely to them—Japan and China. Although they competed in the FIBA ASIA, I didn't perceive them to be as close during the actual game. As the explanation goes, JC's potential impact on the team might have contributed to their improved ranking.

So with thisd development, I am now incline to believe that the Philippines has chance of winning in the first round.

The good old power rankings .
I'm surprised they put my German team on 5th, even before Canada and Spain(!!!), there must be something wrong, haha. Can't see us beating Spain normally, just with a special performance.

Last weekends test matches were really nice. Germany lost by 1 vs Canada, after domination the game and leading by 8 after the 3rd. Spain had a great match vs team USA where they had the lead early in the 4th but then lost by 10.
Less than 2 weeks away now I have good hope for the German team. I though we are not ready but seeing the recent games I can say we should definitely get out of the group, maybe even beating Australia on a good day and get 1st place.
There is another test match vs team USA, that will be exiting to see as well, a true test of what we are capable of.

[Yogee]

I just saw the post above on Australian team and I was looking for Ben in the line up. I'm not surprised that he's not on the roster and I'm not sure if there was a fall out between him and the national coach. The management may have accounted all that happened in the NBA including his behavior. They still look decent without him.

[rdbase]

As I read through the updates on the World Cup, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Philippines is currently in the top 20 of the power rankings.

#23 Georgia Georgia (=)
#22 Japan Japan (-8)
#21 Montenegro Montenegro (+4)
#20 Philippines Philippines (+2)
#19 China China (+2)
#18 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (+2)
#17 New Zealand New Zealand (-1)

https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023/news/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2023-power-rankings-volume-ii

Take a look at the countries ranked closely to them—Japan and China. Although they competed in the FIBA ASIA, I didn't perceive them to be as close during the actual game. As the explanation goes, JC's potential impact on the team might have contributed to their improved ranking.

So with thisd development, I am now incline to believe that the Philippines has chance of winning in the first round.

The good old power rankings.
I'm surprised they put my German team on 5th, even before Canada and Spain(!!!), there must be something wrong, haha. Can't see us beating Spain normally, just with a special performance.

Last weekends test matches were really nice. Germany lost by 1 vs Canada, after domination the game and leading by 8 after the 3rd. Spain had a great match vs team USA where they had the lead early in the 4th but then lost by 10.
Less than 2 weeks away now I have good hope for the German team. I though we are not ready but seeing the recent games I can say we should definitely get out of the group, maybe even beating Australia on a good day and get 1st place.
There is another test match vs team USA, that will be exiting to see as well, a true test of what we are capable of.

They started off well and lead 28-22 early in the first half when I watching it. But then fell asleep since it was just a back and forth type style of play.
Didn't know Spain is ranked #2 in the world right behind the USA of course since their roster is full of the players from the NBA.
They didn't even have their original starting roster when the tournament actually kicks off in 11 days.
So Spain only lost by 10 instead of a massive blow-out which I am expecting from USA in the first round.

[Ziskinberg]

I just saw the post above on Australian team and I was looking for Ben in the line up. I'm not surprised that he's not on the roster and I'm not sure if there was a fall out between him and the national coach. The management may have accounted all that happened in the NBA including his behavior. They still look decent without him.

Have you read the news about why Ben Simmons did not play in the FIBA World Cup?

https://www.espn.ph/nba/story/_/id/37936174/ben-simmons-play-fiba-world-cup-australian-boomers

Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets came to a joint decision this week, with the 26-year-old continuing his rehabilitation from a back injury that cut his 2022-23 NBA season short.

Simmons has not fully recovered yet, and the Nets are simply ensuring the protection of their investment. Despite Simmons not being a significant factor for the team, his value remains high, as evident by his contract listed in: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/brooklyn-nets/ben-simmons-20206/.

[Yogee]

I just saw the post above on Australian team and I was looking for Ben in the line up. I'm not surprised that he's not on the roster and I'm not sure if there was a fall out between him and the national coach. The management may have accounted all that happened in the NBA including his behavior. They still look decent without him.

Have you read the news about why Ben Simmons did not play in the FIBA World Cup?

https://www.espn.ph/nba/story/_/id/37936174/ben-simmons-play-fiba-world-cup-australian-boomers

Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets came to a joint decision this week, with the 26-year-old continuing his rehabilitation from a back injury that cut his 2022-23 NBA season short.

I see. I didn't really follow his situation or the Nets so this is still news to me despite the report being over a month old.

Simmons has not fully recovered yet, and the Nets are simply ensuring the protection of their investment. Despite Simmons not being a significant factor for the team, his value remains high, as evident by his contract listed in: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/brooklyn-nets/ben-simmons-20206/.

There's no doubt about it. They would lose more if he comes back from the World Cup with more injuries. At least he could still be of some use in the game or will have a better trade value when he's recovered.