2023 FIBA World Cup: 4 Best Bets, SGP, 5-Legged Parlay and Player Props (Aug. 29)

FIBA World Cup

However, In Group A, the Dominican Republic (2-0) are the leaders, but if they falter against Angola (1-1), Italy (1-1) could take the top spot in the group. If the D.R. loses by 15 or more, they would be in jeopardy of not advancing.  Italy faces the winless Philippines (0-2) in their last contest.

Germany (2-0) is the only Group E squad that secured their place in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, the winner of Australia (1-1) and Japan (1-1) will be the other team that advances.

Best Bets

Germany vs. Finland

Germany has been one of the best teams since World Cup tuneup games began.  Conversely, Finland (0-2) has been a major disappointment. Germany is listed as an 11-point favorite by DraftKings, with the Over/Under set at 173.

Germany is 7-1 in their last eight games, with their only loss coming against Team USA. The Germans are coming off an exciting 85-82 comeback victory over Australia behind Dennis Schroder’s 30-point and 8-assist effort. They defeated Japan 81-63 in the first World Cup contest.

Germany averages 83.0 and allows 72.5 points a game during World Cup play. The Germans are shooting 49% from the field but 27% from the 3-point line.  Schroder leads the way with 22 points and 6.5 assists while shooting .467/.438/1.000. Mo Wagner, Maodo Lo, and Daniel Theis also average double figures.

Finland has lost both their World Cup games by double-figures. Finalnd lost to Australia by 26 and Japan by 10. They average 80 points with a shooting slash line of .430/.327/.800  and allow 98 points a game. Lauri Markannen averages a double-double with 23.0 points and 10 boards with a shooting slash line of .447/.214/.900. Mikael Jantunen has been the team’s second-most productive player with 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.

While Germany secured their place in the Round of 16, they need to win to put them on solid ground for the future. Expect Germany to start fast as they have led at halftime in their last seven games, and finish 3-0 in the group. Germany has won three straight and is 5-3 all-time against Finland. All eight of their meetings have ended with less than 175 points.

Best Bet: Germany vs. Finland Under 173.0 points (-112)

Same Game Parlay (+110): Germany (-700) and Under 173.5Points (-110)

Lithuania Over Montenegro -5.5

This huge Group D clash features a veteran international squad in Lithuania (2-0) versus an upstart Montenegro (2-0) club. Both teams are onto Round 16, with this determining who finishes first and second. Expect this game to be very competitive.

Lithuania has overwhelmed their other two group opponents. Overall, they have won six straight games, with their last four victories by double-digits.

Lithuania averages 94.6 and allows 66.5 points a game during World Cup play. Lithuania shoots 49% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc. Jonas Valanciunas leads the with 15 points and 11 rebounds a game. Mindaugas Kuzminkas also has played well.

Montenegro has won three straight games, though they are just 4-3 in their last seven. However, their four victories have yet to be against a club that is the caliber of Lithuania. Montenegro averages 95.0 points and allows 72.5. They shoot 51% from the field and 40% from the 3-point line.  Nikola Vucevic has been fabulous for his native country, while Kendrick Perry and Nikola Ivanovic also have played well.

Lithuania is a very well-rounded team and is better defenively than Montenegro. The Lithuanians are also a better rebounding team and take care of the ball well. Lithuania is 3-0 all-time against Montenegro, winning both meetings during European World Cup qualification in 2022, with all three victories by at least six points.

Best Bet: Lithuania -5.5 (-110)