MANILA (Enzo Flojo's Asia on My Mind) - The Asian Qualifiers second round is just around the corner, and though each game is important, these are ones that you shouldn't miss!

Iran v Philippines

The Philippines are still reeling from several key players being suspended for this window, and they'll feel the immediate effects here against powerhouse Iran. What we will see is a veritable rag-tag bunch of Filipinos who may lack in star power but won't be wanting in talent and heart. A scarcity of big names dots their roster - no Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario and Andray Blatche - and though he isn't among the suspended, multiple-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo will also miss this game because of injury. Iran will give Gilas Pilipinas a rude welcome in Tehran, but the Philippines should aim for a respectable result to set the tone for their second round campaign.

Kazakhstan v Japan

Japan just released their 24-man pool for the fourth window, and they look mighty promising. Rising stars Yuta Watanabe and Rui Hachimura have both expressed excitement at the prospect of playing with each other, while Nick Fazekas is ready to be his dominant self again for the Akatsuki Five, who are hoping to extend their win streak to three games. It won't be easy, though, as the Kazakhs are set to parade a pretty strong roster, the retirement of veteran big man Anton Ponomarev notwithstanding.

Jordan v Korea

The Falcons of Jordan had a magical run in the first round, stringing five wins in six contests, but the second round will be much different as the West Asians have to face a gauntlet of top tier competition beginning with traditional East Asia powers Korea. The Koreans finished their first round with 4 wins and 2 losses and are raring to solidify their chances of making it to the World Cup. Needless to say, this game will have meaningful consequences for both sides moving forward. A key matchup? Up front as Ahmad Al Dwairi tries to contain Korea's prolific Ricardo Ratliffe.

New Zealand v Lebanon

Lebanon were impressive in the first round, winning five of their six assignments, but they'll feel the absence of star playmaker Wael Arakji a lot more in the second round as they face New Zealand along with other strong sides like Korea and China. This will be a crucial road game, though as both the Tall Blacks and Cedars enter the third window with 5-1 slates. The winner here takes solo first in their group and will be one step closer to outright qualification for next year's World Cup.

China v Jordan

Things don't get easier for Jordan after they face Korea as the Falcons travel to Beijing to face China at the Wukesong Sports Center. The Chinese will likely have some of their big guns on the roster like Yi Jianlian, Zhou Peng and Guo Ailun, so the Jordanians will be hard-pressed to spring an upset on the road. Still, China cannot relax against a Jordanian quintet who have been playing very inspired basketball in the Asian Qualifiers. If China drop this one, they could be in very precarious position to finish among the top three teams in their group.

Enzo Flojo

FIBA

FIBA's columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.

FIBA takes no responsibility and gives no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of the content and opinion expressed in the above article.