ALEPPO (Syria) & ASTANA (Kazakhstan) - Kazakhstan and Iran are already through to the next round, while Bahrain and Syria are still struggling to see if they're in or out by the end of Window 3 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

July 4, 2022

Kazakhstan vs Bahrain
22:00 (GMT +6)
Republican Velodrome Saryaka, Astana, Kazakhstan

Syria vs Iran
18:00 (GMT +3)
Hamadaniyeh Stadium, Aleppo, Syria

Win Predictions: Kazakhstan, Iran

There should be little doubt that Kazakhstan would end up sweeping Group D, but they cannot put past anything against a Bahrain squad riding high after a road win over Syria. Meanwhile, in Aleppo, the Syrians are fighting for survival against an Iranian quintet still smarting from their second loss to the Steppen Wolves.

If the favorites do win, both the Kazakhs and Iranians make it to the second round, while Syria should still make it on account of their superior point difference over Bahrain. On the other hand, if Bahrain are able to do the unthinkable and record another improbable road victory, though, then that would shove Syria's second round hopes down the drain.

Projected Top Scorer: Devon Dwayne Chism (BRN)

Devon Dwayne Chism had an auspicious debut for Bahrain, dropping 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks on Syria. Chances are, he will have another big game against Kazakhstan, though whether that will lead to another win on the road is still up in the air.

Projected Top Rebounder: Hamed Haddadi (IRI)

Hamed Haddadi returned to action for Team Melli as an insurance policy against Kazakhstan. It didn't matter, though, since the Steppen Wolves still managed to get the W. Haddadi enters this matchup with Syria scorned, which should make him even hungrier to dominate the battle of the boards.

Projected Top Playmaker: Maitham Isa (BRN)

Maitham Isa's 12 assists against Syria tied the top single-game assists figure for these Asian Qualifiers, and with a second round ticket on the line, he will likely be on top of his game once more as Bahrain try to upset Kazakhstan.

Projected Top Shooter: Rustam Murzagaliyev (KAZ)

Rustam Murzagaliyev was supposed to be Kazakhstan's top playmaker, but he turned into their top scoring threat in their last match against Iran. Murzagaliyev is actually among the best shooters in the Asian Qualifiers, averaging 3.4 triples per game, and it's likely he will continue to burn the nets as the Kazakhs close the first round.

Key Matchup: Dmitriy Gavrilov (KAZ) vs Wayne Chism (BRN)

The only way Bahrain can upset Kazakhstan is if Wayne Chism has a monster game, and the player who'll be tasked to slow him down will be Dmitriy Gavrilov. The 35-year-old Gavrilov has logged a ton of mileage on his body, but he can still hack it, especially after just netting 16 points and 4 blocks against Iran. Chism, however, is also 35 years old, so this will be a matchup between two oldies but goodies.

Player to Watch: Nadim Issa (SYR)

Amir Jabbar Hinton and Anthouny Bakar have been doing the heavy lifting for Syria, but they will need another guy to step up if they will secure that second round ticket outright. Nadim Issa could be that guy. The 32-year-old shooting guard has had issues with his consistency, but if he can wax hot against Iran, then Syrian should have a strong chance of ending the first round with a win and a second round berth.

FIBA