The 2019 Basketball World Cup tips off on Saturday (31/08) in China and the 32 national teams are ready for action.
Let’s have a look at the eight groups and the favourites to advance to the second round.
Group A (China, Venezuela, Poland, Cote d’Ivoire)
This is probably the most balanced group of the tournament, as all teams are pretty much on the same level.
Hosts China have a slight advantage, as they will have the support of their fans at the sold-out Wukesong Arena in Beijing.
At the same time, Poland and Venezuela will fight for the second place, with their matchup in the opening day being crucial for both teams.
For their part, Cote d’Ivoire are the underdogs of the group, but are not expected to go any further than the group stage.
Prediction: 1) China, 2) Venezuela
Group B (Argentina, Nigeria, Russia, Korea)
Argentina is the favourite to finish on top of the group, having the talent and experience to overcome its opponents.
Facundo Campazzo is dealing with an ankle injury, but is expected to suit up for the opening game.
At the same time, Nigeria has one of the best rosters of its history and has the upper hand in the battle of qualification over Russia.
The Russians will play without their leader Alexey Shved, which limits their chances to fight for a top two finish.
Just like in Group A, Nigeria vs Russia will determine who will follow Argentina in the second round.
Korea is the weak link of the group and it is not likely they will earn a victory.
Prediction: 1) Argentina, 2) Nigeria
Group C (Spain, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, Iran)
Spain is the favourite not only for the top spot, but for the title as well. Despite the absences of key players, they are still having a very talented and deep roster.
Puerto Rico and Tunisia are on the same level and will fight for the second place, while Iran (just like Korea in Group B) will most likely finish the group stage winless.
Prediction: 1) Spain, 2) Tunisia
Group D (Serbia, Italy, Angola, Philippines)
Serbia and Italy are the best teams of the group and will advance to the second round. Their clash on September 4th will determine who will finish first in the group.
It will come as a big surprise if Philippines or Angola claim more than one victories.
Prediction: 1) Serbia, 2) Italy
Group E (Team USA, Turkey, Czech Republic, Japan)
Team USA is the number one favourite to go all the way, despite the decision of many NBA players to skip the tournament.
The Americans have a talented and deep roster and will advance to the second round undefeated.
Regarding the other three teams, Turkey will most likely follow Team USA to the second round.
Japan made a series of decent performances in the preparation games, yet they still lack experience and depth.
For their part, Czech Republic would have a better chance to qualify, if Jan Vesely was available to play. However, the center of Fenerbahce was ruled out due to an injury and Tomas Satoransky is the only top class player left on the roster.
Prediction: 1) Team USA, 2) Turkey
Group F (Greece, New Zealand, Montenegro, Brazil)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the leader of Greece and the one that can lead the team to the top of the world.
The 2019 NBA MVP is the star of the tournament and surrounds himself with some of the best and most experienced players in Europe. Greece is expected to finish the group undefeated.
Montenegro and Brazil are on the same level, yet the Brazilians are more experienced. Their matchup on September 5th will determine the second team that will advance to the next round.
New Zealand will not be an easy opponent, yet they don’t have a big chance to eliminate either Montenegro or Brazil.
Prediction: 1) Greece, 2) Brazil
Group G (France, Germany, Dominican Republic, Jordan)
France and Germany are the undisputed favourites to claim the first two spots in the group. It will be a major upset if any of the two gets eliminated.
Prediction: 1) France, 2) Germany
Group H (Lithuania, Australia, Canada, Senegal)
The “Group of Death” sees three teams have equal chances to make it to the second round. However, the decision of many NBA players to skip the tournament and not join Canada has put Australia and Lithuania in a position of strength over the Canadians.
The Lithuanians have a solid and talented team, while Australia comes off a great victory over Team USA last week, which significantly boosted their confidence ahead of the tournament.
Senegal will not be an easy opponent, yet they will probably finish last.
Prediction: 1) Australia, 2) Lithuania
*For advanced stats on all the players, national teams and games of the Basketball World Cup you can also visit http://www.mundobasket-stat.com/
** Check Part 1 and Part 2 of the players to watch in the upcoming tournament, written by TalkBasket’s contributor, Alexandros Tsakos.
***TalkBasket.net will cover all the action in the Basketball World Cup, so follow our website for all the latest news and game reports concerning the Basketball World Cup.
Don’t forget to get NordVPN’s special deal
If you’re heading to China for the World Cup, don’t forget that China blocks all the most popular websites and social media, so no Facebook for you. Unless you grab a VPN that is.
With a VPN service you can access the content you’re used to like Google, Instagram and so on. Even if you’re not there physically, you’ll probably want to stream FIBA World CUP 2019 matches.
A VPN helps to do so securely, not to mention you’d be able to do so from any country, with no geographical restrictions to streaming content.
Get NordVPN’s special deal with a 75% discount
