The second half of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Quarterfinals takes center stage on August 6. First up will be Germany (5-0) versus Latvia, with the tip slated for 4:40 a.m. (ET). Canada (4-1) faces Slovenia (4-1) in game two with tip at 8:40 a.m (ET). The following are my best bets for today’s games, including parlays and player props.
2023 FIBA World Cup Quarterfinals (Aug.6): Best Bets, Parlays and Player Props
[cta id=4013 type=cta]
Germany vs. Latvia
Germany (5-0) enters the quarterfinals looking to continue its international resurgence. The Germans, who finished 18th in the 2019 World Cup, were eighth in the 2020 Olympics and third in the 2022 EuroBaskets. The Germans have only medaled once in the event, earning the bronze in 2002.
Latvia (4-1) is a surprise participant in the knockout round. The Latvians, making their first World Cup appearance, already have upset victories over France and Spain. They are coming off a 104-84 win over Brazil in the final game of the group stage.
Latvia has done this with Kristaps Porzingis unable to participate due to a foot injury. They lost Dairas Bertrans to injury in group play.
Germany and Latvia are meeting for the sixth time. The Germans hold a 3-2 edge in the series.
Betting Lines
Spread: Germany -9.0 (-115)
Money Line: Germany -500. Latvia +360
Over/Under: 167.5 Points
About Germany
Germany has won five straight and eight of 10. The Germans are coming off a 100-71 victory over Slovenia, marking the third straight game that they hit the 100-point mark.
Germany has the tournament’s third-most efficient and fifth-highest scoring offense. Germany averages 93.4 points as they average 12.6 treys while compiling a shooting slash line of .524/.391/.732. They average 36.4 boards (9.4 offensive), 17.8 assists, and 11.6 turnovers. Defensively, the Germans allow 72.8 points on 43.9% shooting from the field and 27.7% from the 3-point line. Their opponents are also averaging.
Dennis Schroder leads the way with 19.8 points and 6.8 assists. Daniel Theis and Moritz Wagner also average double-figures, while Isaac Bonga and Maoda Lo contribute nine points a contest. Franz Wagner has missed the past four games with an ankle injury but could be cleared as he is listed as day-to-day.
About Latvia
Latvia is 8-2 over its last 10 games. Their only losses were to Canada and Lithuania. Both of the setbacks were by 20 points.
Latvia averages 90.0 points and 13.2 threes with a shooting slash line of .516/.402/.771. The Latvians average 30.4 caroms (8.8 offensive), 21.4 assists, and 11.2 turnovers. Defensively, Latvia allows 82 points a game on 36.9% from the field, though opponents are making 10.2 threes at a 37.7% clip. Their opponents are averaging 34.4 rebounds (10 offensive) and forcing 14 turnovers.
Latvia has five players averaging double-figures. Oklahoma City Thunder Davis Bertrans and former NBA player Rodions Kurucs have been playing well. Arturs Zagars is a talented point guard.
Prediction
I like Germany to run over Latvia here. The Germans, who have topped the 100-point mark in each of the last three games, are explosive offensively and a fantastic shooting club. Germany is also a better defensive team. Plus, Lativa doesn’t defend the 3-point line well.
Best Bet: Germany -9.0 (-115)
Other Bet: Latvia Under 79.5 Points (-110)
Canada vs. Slovenia
Canada and Slovenia enter the quarterfinals with identical 4-1 records. That is one of many things that the two programs share in common as they square off in game two of the day. The winner of this affair assures themselves of their highest finish in World Cup play. Both teams are led by tremendous do-it-all NBA lead guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic.
Betting Lines
Spread: Canada -8.5 (-115)
Money Line: Canada -380, Slovenia +260
Over/Under: 176.5 (-115)
Best Bet: Canada -8.5 Points (-115)
Under 176.5 Points (-115)
Canada is loaded with NBA talent, while Doncic headlines an also-ran Slovenian squad. Even if Doncic turns in a historic performance, Slovenia doesn’t have enough firepower or defend well enough to stick with the high-flying Canadians.
Plus, Slovenia just got manhandled by a German squad (100-71), who Canada split with during the World Cup play. Canada lost to Germany by five in the first game and then defeated the Germans by 1 (113-112).
Regarding point total, 176.5 is just a little too high here, as I expect Canada to turn in their best defensive effort of the tournament.
Other Bets: Slovenia +2.5 First Quarter (-115); Canada Under 23.5 First Quarter Points (-125)
Like Team USA, Canada has a habit of starting slowly. Canada is 3-6-1 in the first quarter over their last 10 games, averaging just 14 points in the opening 10 minutes during World Cup play.
Meanwhile, Slovenia has led after the first quarter in their last three games. Slovenia is 6-4 in the first quarter over their last 10 games and 9-1 with the +2.5 point spread applied. Moreover, Slovenia is averaging 24 points during the first quarter during World Cup play.
Player Props
Dennis Schroder Over 20.5 Points
Luka Doncic Under 28.5 Points (-115)
Moritz Wagner Over 11.5 Points
Johannes Voightman Under 5.5 Points
Maoda Lo Over 7.5 Points
Andrejs Grazulis Over 11.5 Points
Davis Bertans Under 1.5 assists,
Kristers Zoriks Under 4.5 Assists -155
Dennis Schroder Over 29.5 Points, Rebounds, and Assists (-130)
Kelly Olynyk Under 12.5 Points (-135)
Klemen Prepelic Under 13.5 Points (-190)
Parlays
Same-Game Parlay (-130): Dennis Schroder and Davis Bertrans Over 2 threes
Second Half Being the Highest Scoring Half In Both Games: +219
