August 28 preview: Group favorites to meet in exciting matchups

MANILA (Philippines) - We're right in the thick of things at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 as certain teams might have the confidence that a win today could grant them the first place in their group.

Who signs up for the throne in Group G?

Brazil and Spain seemed like clear cut Group G favorites before the World Cup started and there was nothing to dismay that in their Gameday 1 performances against Iran and Cote d'Ivoire respectively.

Yet what adds extra intrigue is the fact that you also have to think one step ahead. Canada's play and their +85 point difference in the first two games has been amazing. Latvia have also been a tough nut to crack. Those two have already clinched their spot in the same Second Round group that Brazil and Spain wish to join.

A win here might be vital later on.

Brazil is up against its own history as Spain have won seven of their last eight matchups. That being said, both sides last met in the 2012 Olympics where Brazil had the upper hand.

It was about time that we saw these two teams play their beautiful brand of basketball against one another again.

 

Do Greece have the firepower to stay with USA?

Greece's coaching staff must have been taking notes when watching how New Zealand hung around against USA until the middle of the third quarter.

Do they dare think that they might have the balanced roster to go the full 40 minutes? There certainly have been signs of that as plenty of Greek players have taken over the role of the leading scorer across preparation games and their first World Cup game against Jordan.

Same applies for the production of their bench players. Giannoulis Larentzakis contributed with 19 points against Jordan, whereas the 22-year-old Nikos Rogkavopoulos gave his team a boost with 10 points and 7 rebounds.

However, then there's the matter of USA's deep squad. Paolo Banchero came off the bench and lead the team with 21 points against the Kiwis, while fellow reserve Austin Reaves dished out the most assists on the team, melting spectator hearts in the process.

 

Can Puerto Rico produce another instant classic?

Puerto Rico's thrilling comeback victory against South Sudan in the overtime will remain as one of the most captivating moments of this FIBA World Cup.

Yet the heroes themselves have no time to rest on their laurels. Now they're up against Serbia who were quick to dismiss China in one of this tournament's most convincing victories.

Puerto Rico themselves could have a pivotal game against China on Wednesday. However, then there's the possibility of taking care of business against Serbia with an upset victory.

Other storylines for August 28

• Georgia will attempt to use their their size in Alexander Mamukelashvili, Giorgi Shermadini, Goga Bitadze and Tornike Shengelia to counter what Slovenia have in their beautiful, Luka Doncic-centered game. The Georgian frontcourt will also have to deal with Mike Tobey, who's yet to miss a shot in this World Cup.

• Can Rondae Hollis Jefferson again channel his inner Kobe to make things interesting in the game between Jordan and New Zealand? This is a good opportunity to shake things in Group C.

• While Puerto Rico attempt to slow down Serbia, South Sudan and China fight for a better tomorrow in their own clash. South Sudan will desperately want to record their first World Cup victory, while China still have all the cards to advance from Group B.

• Was Venezuela's amazing 3-point shooting for real? Their 16-of-40 performance against Slovenia was impressive, yet now it's time to rack up some wins as well. Their opponent Cape Verde have more potential than they have showed and also wish to record their first-ever win.

• Iran and Cote d'Ivoire look to bounce back from their Gameday 1 defeats as we enjoy the experience of the one and only Hamed Haddadi.

FIBA