FIBA Basketball World Cup predictions & free tips for August 31 games

The FIBA Basketball World Cup is due to kick off on August 31 in China, with the tournament pitting the best 32 International teams from around the world against each other. Of course, the USA are favourites to win the event, but a shock loss to Australia in the lead-up has shaken up the betting a fraction. Here are our free picks, odds and predictions for day 1 of the FIBA World Cup, which features eight matches.

Read more:
– Best basketball betting sites
– FIBA World Cup Guide

Angola v Serbia

Venue: Foshan, Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena
Tip-off time: 15:30 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Angola ($17.00) v Serbia ($1.02)
Angola v Serbia predictions: Serbia will head into this game heavy favourites against Angola and one of the top fancies to win the FIBA World Cup, especially since Team USA’s shock loss to Australia in Melbourne. The Serbians, who have won all lead-up games, have one of the most talented lists at the tournament, led by All-NBA First Team centre Nikola Jokic. Other big names to watch for in the Serbs’ opening game include Boban Marjanovic and Bogdan Bogdanovic. In contrast Angola have been thrashed by a total of 54 points in their two lead-up games and look outclassed in this one. We’re predicting Serbia to win big and cover any lines that you might bet on. We also think Serbia winning Group D is an outstanding leg for your parlays or multi-bets (depending on where you are in the world).

Poland v Venezuela

Venue: Beijing, Wukesong Sport Arena
Tip-off time: 16:00 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Poland ($1.14) v Venezuela ($5)
Poland v Venezuela predictions: While Poland will enter the clash against Venezuela favourites, we firmly believe the underdogs are in with a chance in this one, despite some betting sites having them as long as $5.30. Surprisingly Venezuela are ranked higher in the world, but recent form suggests Poland are a team on the rise, having reached their first major international tournament in 52 years. Venezuela have won several South American championships in the past five years and played at the Rio Olympics. Both of these teams are a legitimate chance of advancing through Group A. Overall we are predicting Poland to win a close one (yep, bet on the moneyline).

Iran v Puerto Rico

Venue: Guangzhou, Guangzhou Gymnasium
Tip-off time: 14:30 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Iran ($2.20) v Puerto Rico ($1.61)
Iran v Puerto Rico prediction: Iran are turning into a powerhouse in Asia and look to be a good bet against Puerto Rico. In fact, some are even tipping them to give Spain a close run in their group match. Young guard Behnam Yakhchali was great in the qualifiers and looms as the key man for Iran. Puerto Rico will be hoping Dallas Mavericks’ JJ Barea can recover from an Achilles injury in time to lead the team in China.

Russia v Nigeria

Venue: Wuhan, Wuhan Sports Centre
Tip-off time: 16:30 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Russia ($2.37) v Nigeria ($1.53)
Predictions: Russia will go in underdogs despite some good form on the International stage. It has taken the Russians until the last second to choose a squad for the World Cup, while Nigeria look to have a very settled roster. Russia will look to the talented Sergey Karasev to do a mountain of work on offence. But it’s Nigeria who will take some stopping, with five NBA players Diogu, Al-Farouq Amini, Ekpe Udoh, Josh Okogie and Chimezie Metu set to defy their country’s world ranking of 33. We really like Nigeria in this one and they look an outstanding head-to-head bet for your parlays.

Philippines v Italy

Venue: Foshan, Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena
Tip-off time: 21:30 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Philippines ($10.50) v Italy ($1.02)
Philippines v Italy tips: Italy have some serious players on their roster including Marco Belinelli and Danilo Gallinari but the Azzuri have just not clicked in their warm-up games;in fact they have been deplorable in some. Having said this the Philippines are only an emerging basketball nation who will rely too heavily on Andray Blatch and Philippines Basketball Association five-times MVP June Mar Fajardo. Italy will have too much size and strength for the Philippines and we’re tipping they will keep their hopes of advancing through Group D alive with a convincing win over one of the lesser lights.

Ivory Coast v China

Venue: Beijing, Wukesong Sport Arena
Tip-off time: 15:30 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Ivory Coast ($6.00) v China ($1.11)
Ivory Coast v China predictions: China will be confident of defeating the Ivory Coast in this one, but they will need to stop Deon Thompson, who once represented the USA in junior basketball. We think China’s home-court advantage and a smattering of NBA players should be enough to win. Bet on China in a low-scoring match.

Spain v Tunisia

Venue: Guangzhou, Guangzhou Gymnasium
Tip-off time: 20:30 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Spain ($1.01) v Tunisia ($34.00)
Spain v Tunisia predictions: Spain will enter the FIBA Basketball World Cup with one of the most experienced rosters, with eight out of the 12 over 30 years of age, and we are tipping them to easily account for Tunisia. Veteran big man Marc Gasol looms as a key to Spain’s chances. They are expected to advance all the way through to a semi-final against the USA if everything goes to plan. While Pau Gasol is missing through injury for the Spaniards, Ricky Rubio (Phoenix) and several other NBA stars should see them use this contest to tune up for bigger matches later in the tournament. Tunisia had a close win over Japan in a warm-up game and were due to play them one more time, before the real stuff begins. Check this result but include Spain with confidence in your parlays. We also like Rubio to lead the scoring for the Spaniards, with 34-year-old Gasol expected to be given limited minutes in the early matches.

Argentina v Korea

Venue: Wuhan, Wuhan Sports Centre
Tip-off time: 20:30 (GMT+8)
H2H Odds: Argentina ($1.01) v South Korea ($13.00)
Argentina v Korea predictions: Argentina have injury problems, with Facundo Campazzo under an injury cloud, but they are expected to give him until the last moment. Even if Campazzo does not play, Argentina look to be too good on paper for Korea. Remarkably Luis Scola will be kitting up for a fifth FIBA World Cup and will surely retire as the most decorated Argentinian. We predict Korea, despite some talent such as Heo Hoon, just won’t have enough tricks to trouble Argentina.

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