FIBA Basketball World Cup predictions & free picks for September 8 games

Day 9 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sunday, September 8, 2019, brings more exciting second-round action.

The top 16 teams from the first round have been split into four groups of four for the second-round action, taking their first-round results with them. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

Also, the bottom 16 teams are split into four groups to battle it out for places 17-32.

Our pick of the day’s matches on day 9 is Spain v Serbia in Wuhan. Serbia are second only to the USA in overall betting for the world title, while the Spaniards are likewise undefeated and rated fifth in betting around the 16-1 mark. It will be a telling contest about how good this Serbian side can be.

Here are our free picks, odds and predictions for day 9 of the FIBA World Cup, which features eight matches.

Read more:
– FIBA World Cup Day 8 betting tips and predictions
– Best basketball betting sites
– FIBA World Cup Guide

Second-round matches

Venezuela v Russia (Group I)

Tip-off: 16:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Venezuela $3.50, Russia $1.33
Venue: Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena
Venezuela v Russia predictions: These two teams have had impressive World Cups but will not be advancing to the quarter-finals. But there is pride, and finishing positions, on the line. The Russians were more competitive in their matches against Group I rivals Poland and Argentina and should have a slight edge in this clash. Our tip is Russia to win by 1-10 points at $3.50 with leading international bookmakers.

Puerto Rico v Italy (Group J)

Tip-off: 16:30 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Puerto Rico $9, Italy $1.08
Venue: Wuhan Sports Centre
Puerto Rico v Italy predictions: As with the Venezuela-Russia game, these two teams won’t be advancing to the quarters. The Italians have been slightly more impressive but we think the handicap line of 14.5 points is a little tough, so our recommended bet here is Puerto Rico +15.5 points at $1.90.

Poland v Argentina (Group I)

Tip-off: 20:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Poland $3.70, Argentina $1.28
Venue: Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena
Poland v Argentina predictions: A great test for Poland, who have been fantastic on their first trip to the World Cup since 1967! They have won all four games so far to book a berth in the quarter-finals, while their opponents here Argentina are also unbeaten and guaranteed passage to the quarters. It’s an important game nonetheless in that it will decide where they go through in the draw. We feel Argentina have the greater pedigree on the world stage and can cover the 8.5-point line, with stars such as veteran forward Luis Scola at 39 years young leading the charge. Scola plays in China and has been fantastic in this tournament.

Spain v Serbia (Group J)

Tip-off: 20:30 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Spain $3.80, Serbia $1.27
Venue: Wuhan Sports Centre
Spain v Serbia predictions: Another clash of unbeaten teams which are already booked into the quarter-finals. This will be a fascinating clash with many of the stars of world basketball in play. Ricky Rubio stepped up for Spain in the big moments in their most recent clash against Italy, while Serbia have a plethora of sharp-shooters at the top of their game, headed by the deadly Bogdan Bogdanovic. Serbia’s numbers are compelling. They are the leading scorers at the tournament so far and have been shooting at an astonishing 60 per cent, compared to Spain’s 45 per cent. That will likely drop as the pressure ramps up in the big games to come but we see no reason to jump off them now. We think
Serbia can cover the line, which is set 8.5 points, at around the $1.90 mark.

Positions 17-32 classification matches

Cote d’Ivoire v Korea (Group M)

Tip-off: 16:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Cote d’Ivoire $1.67, Korea $2.20
Venue: Guangzhou Gymnasium
Cote d’Ivoire v Korea predictions: Both these teams have struggled to make things happen in attack, with their field goal shooting percentage among the worst of the 32 teams competing. Neither team has won a game and this is their last chance so it promises to be a willing affair. Korea pushed hosts China all the way in their most recent contest and if they can reproduce that form they can win this one at enticing odds of around $2.20.

Tunisia v Angola (Group N)

Tip-off: 16:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Tunisia $1.14, Angola $5.50
Venue: Wukesong Sport Arena, Beijing
Tunisia v Angola predictions: Dallas Mavericks giant Salah Mejri should give the Tunisians a clear edge in this game. The 2.18m Mejri has averaged almost 16 points a game and is among the top rebounders in the tournament and Tunisia have racked up two wins and a narrow loss. Their only thrashing came at the hands of Spain. They look a little too strong for the Angolans, whose lone win came against the Philippines. We are tipping Tunisia to cover the line of 10.5 points at around the $1.91 mark with sportsbooks.

China v Nigeria (Group M)

Tip-off: 20:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: China $3.50, Nigeria $1.33
Venue: Guangzhou Gymnasium
China v Nigeria predictions: The host nation will bow out of the tournament after this game, but this represents a chance to finish with a respectable three wins from their five games. Nigeria also sit 2-2 and have scored far more freely than their Chinese counterparts. We expect the shackles to come off in this one and will have a small bet on the total match score being over 152.5 points at odds of $1.91.

Iran v Philippines (Group N)

Tip-off: 20:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Iran $1.14, Philippines $5.50
Venue: Wukesong Sport Arena, Beijing
Iran v Philippines predictions: Philippines look like bowing out of the tournament winless and it’s largely because they have not been able to get it done in defence, conceding on average more than 100 points a match. Iran have been much more solid and we like a double here: Iran to cover the 10.5-point line and the match total to exceed 154.5 points. The double should be paying around $3.65 with most sportsbooks.

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