FIBA World Cup 2023 | Best Bets, August 29

Day five of the FIBA Basketball World Cup group stages tips off, and time is running out for these ambitious countries to secure their spot in the second round!

After being upset by the hosts in their last game, Finland and leading man Lauri Markkanen are desperate to win against red-hot Germany and star man Dennis Schroder. Similarly, Australia, who dropped their previous game, needs a win against hosts Japan to secure their place in the next round of the World Cup. In one of the marquee slots of the night, Jordan Clarkson and the host Philippines look to accomplish a historic upset over Simone Fontecchio and Italy for the chance to qualify for the next round.

Let's check out the bets!

Germany vs Finland

When: 3:30 AM EST

Where: Okinawa Arena, Okinawa, Japan

Odds courtesy of bet365 Sportsbook. Check out our list of the best NBA betting sites for more betting opportunities.

Money: Finland to Win (+450)

Where Germany has secured their place in the second round with a victory in their last game, Finland has disappointingly been eliminated from World Cup contention. While Germany doesn't need a win in this matchup, Finland won't want to go home without a victory.

Germany was solid in their last game, but they were pushed by the efforts of a 50-point night from guards Dennis Schroder and Maodo Lo. Finland will want to shore up their perimeter defense after allowing 11 threes on 39.3% efficiency in their loss to Japan.

The result of this game isn't critical for Germany's ambitions, but Finland is desperate to go home with a victory. With their focus on the next round, expect Germany to go deeper into their bench for this game. Still loaded with talent, Finland has a great chance at an upset victory.

Angola vs Dominican Republic

When: 4:00 AM EST

Where: Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Total: Over 161.5 (-115)

Angola and the Dominican Republic will close out their first round of group play, with both teams coming off of wins. Angola returned from a double-digit deficit to defeat host Philippines in their last match, while Dominican Republic upset favorites Italy in their previous game to take control of Group A.

Despite a difficult start, Angola showed their quality in their last game behind the efforts of center Bruno Fernando. Angola shot a dreadful 37.5% from the field despite winning, with victory coming from their rebounding dominance - collecting 43 rebounds and 20 offensive rebounds. Dominican Republic found success behind their own NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who led his team's 41.0% three-point shooting efforts on the night.

Two teams with eyes on the tournament's second round, the Dominican Republic and Angola, will put in their best effort. Angola will be desperate for victory to push themselves into the second round, but the quality of the Dominican shooters will be the difference-maker in this matchup.

Egypt vs Mexico

When: 4:45 AM EST

Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Total: Under 156.0 (-110)

Both winless through two games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Egypt and Mexico face off in their last tournament match. While neither of these sides will find their way to the second round of the cup, a consolation victory is available for either side.

Mexico and Egypt are among the lower-scoring teams in the tournament, averaging 68.5 and 70.5 points per game, respectively. Both teams shoot sub-31.0% from three and sub-42.0% from the field.

Success will likely come down to who can find the most quality in their shots between these teams. Egypt's big men have been the bright spot for them, and they're at a decided advantage against Mexico. Given the quality of these offenses, a high-scoring affair isn't in the cards.

Lebanon vs France

When: 5:45 AM EST

Where: Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, Indonesia

Odds courtesy of bet365 Sportsbook.

Total: Over 175.5 (-110)

Lebanon and France are winless through the FIBA World Cup and eliminated from title contention. Both sides will fight for pride when the two face off on Tuesday night, as neither wants to leave Jakarta without a victory.

France is coming off a surprise loss to Latvia, ending their chances of winning the FIBA World Cup. Despite their loss, France's offense saw them post shooting numbers of 52.0% from the field and 51.9% from three - unfortunately, they struggled defensively and committed 20 turnovers. Lebanon were on the losing end of a 55-point blowout in their last game. Their performance had few bright spots, as their defense could not contain the Canadian offense.

Lebanon doesn't project to be competitive in their last 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup match. Despite their elimination, France still boasts one of the world's most impressive rosters. Expect a rout in favor of France in both of these teams' last tournament matches.

Australia vs Japan

When: 7:10 AM EST

Where: Okinawa Arena, Okinawa, Japan

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Spread: Australia -18.5 (-111)

In possibly the most consequential game of the FIBA World Cup, Australia and hosts Japan will compete to progress to the second round. Both teams are 1-1 through two games, and a victory would secure the winner second place in Group E.

Japan is coming off of a win over Finland. An explosive 35-15 point fourth quarter and a defense that held the Finns to 45.7% shooting earned Japan a ten-point win. It was by a narrow margin, but Australia was surprised in their last match against Germany. Allowing the Germans to shoot over 60.0% inside the arc, The Boomers must improve their defense to prevent another upset by Japan.

Host country Japan celebrated their first-ever win over a European country in their last game, but success against fellow FIBA Asia competitors Australia looks unlikely. While The Boomers have had issues protecting the paint, Japan's squad won't have the offensive threat to send them packing.

Philippines vs Italy

When: 8:00 AM EST

Where: Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread: Italy -13.0 (-108)

Host Philippines were disappointed to drop their last game against Angola, and their hopes of progressing to the next rounds have narrowed significantly. Italy wants to return from a defeat to the Dominican Republic and secure second place in Group A. While Italy has historically succeeded against the Philippines, the desperate hosts will be challenging to put away.

In their last game, the Philippines started strong. However, after going up double-digits in the first quarter, Gilas went cold while allowing an astonishing 20 offensive rebounds en route to their ten-point loss. Italy are coming off of a five-point loss in their last game. When they face Gilas Pilipinas, Italy must improve their 24.1% three-point shooting performance last time out.

Gilas Pilipinas will indeed be motivated when they face Italy, but the talent difference is stark. Once again, the Philippines project to be defeated on the glass, while the Italians' varied offensive attack will be too much for the hosts to handle.

Montenegro vs Lithuania

When: 8:30 AM EST

Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines

Odds courtesy of bet365 Sportsbook.

Spread: Lithuania -5.5 (-110)

Montenegro and Lithuania have booked their ticket to the second round of the FIBA World Cup. This match will preview their eventual matchup in the next tournament phase but may not represent how they'll play each other in the next round.

In their last game, Montenegro earned a 15-point victory behind a 57.1% shooting night while forcing 22 turnovers from their opponents. Lithuania dominated their previous game, a 30-point win over Mexico, where they held their opponents to just 35.6% shooting from the field while going 57.6% from the floor themselves.

This projects to be an exciting matchup between two ambitious European countries. Both want to prove themselves against the best in the tournament behind some excellent frontcourts. Expect Lithuania to come away with their most competitive victory of the first round, particularly given their shooting form.

Canada vs Latvia

When: 9:30 AM EST

Where: Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, Indonesia

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Total: Over 177.5

Both Canada and Latvia have qualified for the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and victory would only do to improve their position against each other. Canada is coming from a record-breaking performance in their last game, while Latvia entered this game off the back of a historic upset over a tournament favorite.

The Canadians were brilliant in their last game, a win over Lebanon. In their 55-point victory, Canada shot 71.4% from the field, 60.0% from three, and set a FIBA World Cup record with 44 assists on 50 made field goals. Latvia shocked tournament favorites France with their two-point victory. Weathering a 52.0% shooting night from France, along with 14 threes allowed, Latvia secured their place in the second round after game-winning free throws from Arturs Zagars.

Neither team will show their entire hands when they face off on Tuesday. With both qualified, it'll be more about reps and conditioning than an intense matchup between two talented sides. Canada will continue to push the pace, and Latvia has shown its grittiness - it could go either way.