FIBA Basketball World Cup predictions & free tips for September 2 games

The FIBA Basketball World Cup kicked off on August 31 in China. The tournament includes the best 32 teams from around the world. Of course, Team USA are hot 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 3 of the FIBA World Cup, which features eight matches.

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

Italy v Angola

Tip-off: 15:30 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Italy $1.00, Angola $26
Venue: Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena
Italy v Angola predictions: The Italians opened the tournament with an easy win against the Philippines and they should have little trouble here against Angola, who were thrashed by Serbia in their opener. The line has been set at around 25.5 points and while we are usually reluctant to concede big starts as teams tend to take their foot off the gas, we think the Italians will cover the line comfortably. They will book their place in the next round with a big win.

Venezuela v Ivory Coast

Tip-off: 16:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Venezuela $1.40, Ivory Coast $2.98
Venue: Wukesong Sport Arena, Beijing
Venezuela v Ivory Coast predictions: Both teams suffered convincing defeats in their opening match, but Venezuela were by far the more impressive in their loss to Poland. We think they will in but not easily, so take them by 1-10 at around $2.60.

Nigeria v Argentina

Tip-off: 16:30 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Nigeria $3.65, Argentina $1.29
Venue: Wuhan Sports Centre
Nigeria v Argentina predictions: The African team was a little disappointing in a first-up loss to Russia and needs to bounce back quickly or their tournament will be over. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie led the way for Nigeria with 18 points but did not have enough support. Argentina did what they had to in their 95-69 win against Korea. While it will be a little close this time we expect the Argentines to cover the line of around 8.5 points.

Tunisia v Iran

Tip-off: 16:30 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Tunisia $2.72, Iran $1.46
Venue: Guangzhou Gymnasium
Tunisia v Iran predictions: This is a great chance for Iran to get on the board. They were well led by young star Behnam Yakhchali, who is based in China where he plays for the Nanjing Monkey Kings. The Iranians came so close to toppling Puerto Rico, while Tunisia were outclassed by Spain. We expected a tough, defensive contest and predict Iran to win with the match total under the 145.5 points set as the mark by most sportsbooks.

Serbia v Philippines

Tip-off: 19:30 local time (GMT+8)
Money line odds: Serbia $1.90 (-36.5 points), Philippines $1.90 (+36.5 points)
Venue: Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena
Serbia v Philippines predictions: No head to head betting on this one … or none that is worth talking about anyway. Serbia will win, the only question is by how much. Bogdan Bogdanovic looked in ominous shooting touch, but the Serbs may well keep a couple of their stars on ice, or at least share the game time around to give their bench players a chance. Even with the -36.5-point line we can’t bet on the Philippines. Serbia to tune up with a 40-plus points win and if you fancy them for the title you are not alone. They look in fantastic shape.

China v Poland

Tip-off: 20:00 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: China $1.91, Poland $1.91
Venue: Wukesong Sport Arena, Beijing
China v Poland predictions: Probably the most even match-up of the day, with the Poles ranked 25th to China’s 30th. Both teams won their opening matches and the winner here is almost certain to progress. China dominated on the boards in their win over the Ivory Coast and while it will be tougher this time we think the raucous crowd support can help them over the line. China to win by 1-10 points at $2.95.

Korea v Russia

Tip-off: 20:30 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Korea $7, Russia $1.11
Venue: Wuhan Sports Centre
Korea v Russia predictions: The Russians hit the ground running with a win over Nigeria first-up and they will be too strong in this contest. They must be wary though of US-born South Korean Ra Gun-ah, who poured in 31 points against the powerful Argentines. Russia have too much overall depth but we will try Korea with a 13.5-point start at $1.90.

Puerto Rico v Spain

Tip-off: 20:30 local time (GMT+8)
Head to head odds: Puerto Rico $26, Spain $1
Venue: Guangzhou Gymnasium
Puerto Rico v Spain predictions: Spain are in a different league to their opponents here so we will need to a look outside the box to find some value. Spain to win with the match total over 157.5 at $1.87 seems decent enough value and could be a good anchor leg for a parlay or multibet. Spain have designs on winning the whole thing and we have no doubt they will be around at the pointy end.

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