The 2023 FIBA World Cup first round will officially end after Wednesday’s games. Germany, the Dominican Republic, and Canada won their final games to top their groups. Australia and Italy also were victorious and are advancing to the Round of 16. While Montenegro and Latvia lost, they had already punched their ticket to the second round.
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2023 FIBA World Cup Best Bet: 2023 FIBA World Cup Best Bet: 5-Legged Parlay
Unlike on Tuesday, there is some major drama brewing on August 30. Serbia, United States, Slovenia, and Spain have secured a spot in the Round of 16. But other than that, things get a little dicey.
In Group, Serbia is locked into the top spot. If Puerto Rico defeats China, they will advance. However, if Puerto Rico loses and South Sudan defeats Serbia, SSD moves. If Puerto Rico and South Sudan lose, they will mean there is a three-way tie, and point differential will decide who advances. South Sudan is currently at +15 in point differential, while Puerto Rico is -4.
In Group B, Team USA has clinched the top spot. Meanwhile, the winner of New Zealand and Greece will move on to the Round of 16.
In Group F, Georgia should advance as they face Venezuela. If Venezuala wins and Cape Verde defeats Slovenia, Cape Verde moves on. If Georgia and Cape Verde lose, Georgia should advance due to point differential, as they have a 25-point edge over Venezuela.
Spain has claimed the top spot in Group G. Brazil gets in with a win over Iran or a loss by Ivory Coast to Spain. However, Ivory Coast can grab the spot with a major upset victory and a Brazilian loss.
5-Legged Parlay (+2391)
Serbia (-16.0) Over South Sudan
On a five-game winning streak, Serbia has been one of the most efficient teams at the World Cup on both ends of the floor. The Serbians go 11 deep, move the ball, and shoot the ball exceptionally well. Also, Serbia’s guards don’t turn the ball over, and they do a fantastic job defensively.
Jordan Under 71.5 Points
Jordan has a tough task going against Team USA. Jordan falls short not only in talent against the Americans but also in athleticism and depth. All of these reasons are why I’m going with the under for Jordan’s point total. Jordan has struggled against the country’s best team in the past, which will likely be the case on Wednesday. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is their only offensive threat, and while it is nice to see him having success, there is no way the U.S. will allow him to go off.
Spain vs. Iran Over 37.5 First Quarter Points
Spain should coast over Iran, but they are a -33.5-point favorite. While there is an excellent chance that the Spaniards will cover, it is risky to make that bet because Spain struggles in the second half. Conversely, Spain is an excellent first-half team, and 37.5 points is a little low.
Spain has scored 45 points in the opening quarter in the first two World Cup games and has tallied 21 or more points in six of their last seven first periods. Moreover, at least 39 total points have been scored in each of their games during this stretch.
Meanwhile, Iran is far from being a good first-quarter team. But they averaged 16 points in the opening quarter during the World Cup, including scoring 20 against Ivory Coast in their last game. Iran has also allowed 30 points to their two most formidable opponents of their recent contests, Brazil and Montenegro, in the first quarter. Furthermore, five of their last nine matches have totaled 39 or more points through the first 10 minutes of action.
Other Parts of the Five-Legged Parlay
Brazil (-18.5) Over Ivory Coast
Puerto Rico (-12) Over China
