HELSINKI (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - FIBA EuroBasket 2017 is set to start with a bang on the opening day, headlined by hosts Finland and Israel looking to impress their faithful troupes in the stands. 

In Group A in Helsinki, Finland face a challenging initiation in a clash against France. The hosts need to overcome sluggish recent form if they are to cause an upset, but boast the firepower to cause headaches for France. All eyes will be on Chicago Bulls draft pick Lauri Markkanen, whose shooting could create mayhem inside Hartwall Arena. 

Undoubtedly underdogs, Finland will be hoping to add another scalp to their FIBA EuroBasket resume. Let's not forget, even with Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert on their books, and on their homecourt at FIBA EuroBasket 2015, the French still needed overtime to get by the Susijengi.

However, France have been one of the most impressive squads during the preparation games. With De Colo, Heurtel and Fournier on board, they could go all the way and collect a fourth consecutive FIBA EuroBasket medal.

In Group B in Tel Aviv, Israel will strive to provide plenty of cheer for their fans, against Italy, in what looms as a difficult game to predict. These two have met at the Round of 16 two years ago, with Italy winning by 30 in Lille. With a chance for revenge, Israel will rely on talisman Omri Casspi.

Italy will be seeking a winning start to FIBA EuroBasket 2017 even after yet another injury blow. Already without Danilo Gallinari, Ettore Messina will also be without Davide Pascolo, who suffered a torn ACL on the eve of the competition starting. He will be replaced by Filippo Baldi Rossi, who flew out to Israel, immediately. Much of the burden will be placed on Marco Belinelli, who can win games almost single-handedly.

In other games, the Slovenians tip-off the tournament against Poland in Group A action. Attention will be on Slovenian prodigy Luka Doncic, and don't forget about Goran Dragic, the Miami Heat point guard. But a determined Poland appear up for the challenge, with a successful preparation period behind them. 

The other Group A game is between Iceland and Greece, who are still coming to terms with the withdrawal of Giannis Antetokounmpo. It all means outsiders Iceland could fancy their chances of causing a boil over. 

In Group B, Germany start strong favorites over Ukraine and will be led by dynamic Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder, who is set to be one of the most entertaining players in the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Group B favorites Lithuania faces an intriguing battle against Georgia in yet another 2015 Round of 16 re-match. Georgia will be fueled by Zaza Pachulia's availability, the NBA champion was in doubt with an ankle injury but has received the all clear in a major boost for Sakartvelo.

You can follow live updates throughout each game day and follow #EuroBasket2017 across all social media.

FIBA