DAMASCUS (Syria) - The 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Syria is set to be an absorbing and unpredictable event that will capture the attention of the watching fans.

But who is going to make it out of the Group Phase and who will be heading out of the competition early? Here's a look forward to how things might unfold when the action gets underway in Damascus.

Group A - Chinese Taipei, Korea, India, Bahrain

Who's the favorite​?

There is no doubt that if they are even close to full strength, Korea are the favorites in this group. Keep in mind that they finished in sixth place with a 3-1 record at the FIBA Asia Cup 2022.  They had abeaten China, Chinese Taipei and Bahrain before getting eliminated by New Zealand in the Quarter-Finals. With or without big man Ra Guna, Korea are the most dangerous team in Damascus and should be the clear favorites to top this group.

Who's the underdog​?

Given that both Bahrain and India finished winless at the FIBA Asia Cup 2022, either of them could be considered the main underdogs in Group A. Bahrain, however, very nearly upset both China and Korea, so this is a team not to be taken lightly. If Ahmed Alderazi and the Hamooda brothers are in tip-top shape, then the Bahrainis could shock the continent with a run to the top in Damascus.

What will be the pivotal game​?

The matchup between Chinese Taipei and Bahrain on Day 1 should be extremely critical. With Korea the clear favorites, either of these teams could end up as the primary foils to the Koreans' dreams to top Group A. Bahrain also have a score to settle against Chinese Taipei, as the latter beat Alderazi and Co. at the FIBA Asia Cup last year. This time around, the Bahrainis will be excited to taste some payback.

The open question: Is this the moment Bahrain takes a big leap?

All the signs have been positive for Bahrain these past few years. Their youth teams have done pretty well, setting the foundation for stronger performances from their senior men's team. But last year, their 0-3 finish in Jakarta left much to be desired - and yet it also gave them a sense that they could hang with Asia's big boys. After all, they lost to powerhouses China and Korea by an average of just three points. Now, Bahrain have a golden chance to surprise more people and make history in Damascus.

Group B - Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Syria

Who's the favorite​?

This is a wide open group since all four of these teams combined for just two wins at the FIBA Asia Cup 2022. Syria and Kazakhstan both have better history getting wins at this level, but the recent form of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia also make them legitimate threats.

That said, Syria's homecourt edge should inspire them to a memorable Group Phase run. The big man duo of Abdulwahab Alhamwi and Omar Chiekh Ali should patrol the paint with impunity. Meanwhile, Isshak Oubeid and Anthouny Bakar are two perimeter players who are as explosive as they come. We can't wait for these guys to make big splashes for the home side in Damascus.

Who's the underdog​?

Indonesia do not have the deepest pool but they maybe have the best individual player in this group in Marquise Bolden. This means their performance in Damascus could go in vastly different directions.

Of course, much of it depends on whether Bolden can once again be a double-double machine and, more importantly, if he can garner support from other players on Timnas Indonesia's roster. Particularly if guys like Brandon Jawato and Andakara Prastawa Dhyaksa make their shots and keep opposing defenders honest.

What will be the pivotal game​?

With Syria as the favorites, it may be up to Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia to play catch-up and finish in second place. Objectively, both of these teams have what it takes to finish in the top two in Group B, meaning their matchup on 16 August will be quite pivotal.

The open question: Which Kazakhstan will show up?

Remember how Kazakhstan won their first five games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asia Qualifiers? Don't forget they beat Iran and Syria twice each and Bahrain by 47 points during that run. If that Kazakh team shows up, there's no doubt they'll top Group B.

However, you might recall that after those five wins, the Kazakhs lost their next seven games by an average of 24.6 points. Needless to say, if that team shows up, then don't be shocked if the Steppen Wolves go home winless after this competition.

FIBA