FIBA World Cup 2023 | Best Bets, August 28

Day four of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup tips off on Monday, and with a game under every team's belt, the intensity is growing!

Battling for the top of Group F, the big man duo of Tornike Shengalia and Goga Bitadze lead Georgia against current tournament top scorer Luka Doncic and Slovenia! Giannoulis Larentzakis is coming off of an excellent performance as he leads Greece against Paolo Banchero's United States squad. Closing the evening is a massive Group G matchup where Willy Hernangomez and Spain face off against Bruno Caboclo and Brazil!

Let's check out the bets!

China vs South Sudan

When: 4:00 AM EST

Where: Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out our list of the best NBA betting sites for more betting opportunities.

Total: Over 157.5 (-112)

China and South Sudan enter their second game day winless after their first match in Group B. Despite their best efforts, China is coming off of a blowout loss to Serbia. South Sudan fought excellently in their first match against Puerto Rico but were ultimately defeated in an exciting overtime matchup.

China struggled on both ends of the court in their first game against Serbia, shooting just 38.1% from the field, a dreadful 27.6% from three, and allowing 30 assists on 34 made field goals. South Sudan was impressive in their first outing, scoring 96 points on 50.7% shooting from the field, but 21 turnovers and losing the rebounding battle 38 to 50 soured their World Cup debut.

Carlik Jones impressed for South Sudan, producing 35 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds in his last outing. Kaier Li (Kyle Anderson) disappointed on his debut for China, going scoreless and without a field goal in 25 minutes. South Sudan's opening night performance is encouraging, and their pace suggests another high-scoring affair.

Venezuela vs Cape Verde

When: 4:00 AM EST

Where: Okinawa Arena, Okinawa, Japan

Odds courtesy of bet365 Sportsbook.

Money: Cape Verde to Win (+265)

Both Venezuela and Cape Verde have their eyes on victory after losing their tournament's opening match. In their first game, Venezuela lost to group favorite Slovenia, while Georgia blew out Cape Verde.

Venezuela started strong in their match against Slovenia but eventually struggled to maintain their offensive pace and failed to compete on the boards - losing the rebounding battle by 16. Cape Verde looked outmatched from the outset of their first match, eventually just shooting 29.6% from the field in their 25-point loss.

Cape Verde needs more from center Edy Tavares, who collected 12 rebounds and two blocks but just six points on two of seven shooting. Venezuela's Jhornan Zamora had four threes in their last game and will have to lead the offense against Cape Verde's tough interior defense. Size will continue to be an issue for Venezuela, especially considering their shooting form is unlikely to be maintained.

New Zealand vs Jordan

When: 4:45 AM EST

Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Total: Under 158.5 (-115)

Jordan and New Zealand are coming off thrashings by two of the world's best nations in their opening games of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It'll be a critical matchup as both teams jockey for second place in Group C.

New Zealand had the bad luck of opening their tournament against the United States, who held them to just 36.5% shooting from the field in their 99-72 loss. Jordan lacked the quality to protect the paint, allowing Greece to shoot 63.9% inside the arc while losing the rebounding battle by ten.

Two teams without significant inside presences expect Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Reuben Te Rangi to go head-to-head as they try to carry their teams to victory. It'll be a hard-nosed game between two countries desperate for a win.

Cote d'Ivoire vs Iran

When: 5:45 AM EST

Where: Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, Indonesia

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Money: Iran to Win (+220)

Iran was dominated in their first game by South American front-runners Brazil. Similarly, in their first match, Cote d'Ivoire was outmatched by reigning champions Spain. Both teams must refocus their efforts, particularly on the glass, if either hopes to emerge victorious.

In their 41-point loss to Brazil, Iran shot just 36.9% from the field but were outrebounded 29 to 42. Cote d'Ivoire had similar issues in the paint, allowing Spain to shoot 65.7% from two-point range while getting outrebounded by 22.

Neither team showed significant quality from range, with both sides shooting under 35% from deep, so expect success to be found in the paint. Iran's big men have the advantage, with legend Hamed Haddadi leading the way.

Georgia vs Slovenia

When: 7:30 AM EST

Where: Okinawa Arena, Okinawa, Japan

Odds courtesy of bet365 Sportsbook.

Spread: Slovenia -8.5 (+105)

Two winning sides face off as Georgia and Slovenia jockey for control of Group F. Both teams won comfortably in their first game, with Georgia defeating Cape Verde and Slovenia beating Venezuela to open their respective tournaments.

Slovenia was slow to open the game, only finding victory behind the brilliance of Doncic and the production of Tobey and Prepelic to help overcome 16 threes from Venezuela in their first game. On the other hand, Georgia dominated Cape Verde in their first game, shooting 51.2% inside the arc while winning the rebounding battle by ten.

Once again, Luka Doncic will be the man to watch for Slovenia, as his individual scoring and playmaking prowess can single-handedly carry his team to victory. Georgia has a more team-oriented approach, but Goga Bitadze is the focal point after a double-double performance last time.

Puerto Rico vs Serbia

When: 8:00 AM EST

Where: Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Total: Over 173.5 (-111)

Puerto Rico showed their quality in their first tournament match, coming from behind to defeat South Sudan in overtime. Serbia defeated China in their first game and is projected to have another comfortable evening on Monday. The winner of this game will control Group B.

Serbia was unstoppable in their first game, shooting 57.6% from the field, a 30:12 assist-to-turnover ratio, and five double-digit scorers en route to a 42-point victory. Puerto Rico showed their grit after losing the first half, leveling the game at the final horn and winning by five in overtime. While their shooting was inconsistent, Puerto Rico was tenacious on the glass - winning the rebounding battle by 12 with three double-digit rebounders on the night.

Serbia should face more competitive opponents in Puerto Rico, but the quality difference is still stark. With their ball movement and paint presence, Serbia has the edge - not to mention their shooting prowess. Expect Puerto Rico to push the pace, but the offensive quality of Serbia should earn them the victory.

Greece vs United States

When: 8:40 AM EST

Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread: United States -22.5 (-110)

Here's a matchup that fans are dying to see: Greece and the United States, both coming off wins, face off with their eyes set on controlling Group C. Both sides are coming off of comfortable victories and will be locked in for this titanic first-round matchup.

The United States faced little resistance against New Zealand in their first game, scoring 99 points on 59.3% from the field while holding their opponents to just 36.5% shooting. Greece similarly dominated their opponents in game one, holding Jordan to just 41.1% shooting while shooting 51.5% from the field and hitting 12 threes on the night.

The odds are rightly against Greece in this matchup, but their frontcourt, athleticism, and three-point shooting may make it more competitive than expected. Still, the depth and quality of the United States should eventually overwhelm Greece en route to their second victory.

Brazil vs Spain

When: 9:30 AM EST

Where: Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, Indonesia

Odds courtesy of bet365 Sportsbook.

Spread: Spain -9.5 (-110)

The last match of the evening is between two historical FIBA World Cup heavyweights, Brazil and Spain. Both teams rattled off victories in their previous matchup, with both sides controlling the game through all four quarters.

Spain's patented passing game was on full display in their first match, shooting 53.1% from the field with 29 assists on 34 made field goals. Brazil was similarly dominant in their first match, scoring 100 points on 54.7% shooting from the field, where they hit 14 threes on 41.2% efficiency.

Expect an exciting matchup between two teams that love to move the ball and play inside-out. Brazil's pace and outside shooting could upset the reigning champions, but Spain's experience and inside presence should help them earn a comfortable victory.