Day 5 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup already sees a few teams that have booked their spot into the second round.
Argentina and Russia will play each other having already advanced to the second round and Serbia and Italy will do likewise.
This means there will be a few dead rubbers and it will be interesting to see the effort that gets put out on the floor.
Form so Far
Head to Head – 28/32 = 87.5%
Game Total – 16/28 = 57.1%
Here are some Basketball World Cup Picks for Day 5 September 4th.
Be sure to check back each day for more Free Fiba Picks and Expert Basketball Picks Daily on Game Totals and analysis on the Head to Head Matchups.
Angola vs Philippines
Prediction – Angola (Win)
Game Total Under 160.5
Both these sides have not shown much as yet and are yet to win a game. Angola is coming off a 92-61 loss to Italy, and the Philippines got smashed to Serbia 126-67.
Both teams can’t advance so the result is all but irrelevant. The Angolans have looked a little better, but that is hard to justify as they have been well beaten twice.
Both sides struggle to score consistent points so if they play defence the game total should go under.
Angola to win with no confidence.
Cote d’Ivoire vs Poland
Prediction – Poland (Win)
Game Total Over 146.5
Poland has already advanced to the second round and has looked pretty good after a thrilling win over host nation China 76-79. Mateusz Ponitka and A.J. Slaughter were both impressive in the last game with 25 and 22 points respectively.
The Ivory Coast, on the other hand, played well in patches but went down 87-71 to Venezuela. Charles Abouo was their best with 19 points including ¾ from downtown.
Poland should win this game and the Game Total may go over.
Puerto Rico vs Tunisia
Prediction – Tunisia (Win)
Game Total Under 145.5
This one could be the match of the day with both sides needing the win to advance to the second stage of the competition.
Puerto Rico went down to the Strong Spanish side and Tunisia rode off the back of Salah Mejri to beat Iran 79-67. Mejri was awesome in the last game for Tunisia with 22 Points and 15 Rebounds. If Puerto Rico can contain him it will go a long way to winning the match.
Spain didn’t shoot the ball well against Puerto Rico, which may have flattered them a little on the scoreboard.
Expect some defence in this game and the Game Total to go under. Tunisia is playing good basketball and is a big chance to win this one.
Korea vs Nigeria
Prediction – Nigeria (Win)
Game Total Over 170.5
Another dead rubber with both sides failing to advance to the next round. Nigeria is coming off an 81-94 loss to Argentina and Korea have been competitive, but lost 73-87 to Russia.
Not the most interesting when the result in terms of advancing doesn’t matter, but Nigeria should come out on top. If there is no defensive intensity the Game Total should go over the number.
Italy vs Serbia
Prediction – Serbia (Win)
Game Total Over 160.5
Both these sides have advanced to the next round so resting players may be an option.
Serbia just beat the Philippines 126-67 and Italy made easy work of Angola 92-61. It will be interesting to see who wants to win the group more, and who will come out firing.
Serbia has the talent and should win the match with the Game Total a chance to go over.
Venezuela vs China
Prediction – China (Win)
Game Total Under 144.5
With the host nation in action, this will generate the most interest for the day as they look to stay alive in the Basketball World Cup for 2019.
A bad inbound pass cost them the win against Poland as they had the game wrapped up, but went down 79-76 in a thrilling encounter.
Venezuela managed to get over the Ivory Coast 87-71, but was pushed for the majority of the match. The Chinese big man Jianlian YI has hit some form and was very good in the loss two nights back, with 24 Points and 8 Rebounds.
The man to look out for Venezuela is Heissler Guillent who knocked down 5 triples on his way to 28 Points and 7 Assists.
The home crowd should will China home here and they will more than likely get the win. Expect a lot on the defensive end and the Game Total to go under the number.
Russia vs Argentina
Argentina (Win)
Prediction – Game Total Over 161.5
Both of these sides have advanced to the next round with Argentina taking care of Nigeria 94-81 and Russia getting passed Korea 87-73.
The veteran Luis Scola has been massive for Argentina and is coming off a double-double 23 Point 10 Rebound game. Russia has been playing well as a team despite missing some stars and are a chance for an upset here.
Argentina should win though and the Game Total may go under.
Spain vs Iran
Prediction – Spain (Win)
Game Total Over 150.5
Spain has cruised so far but was pushed by the Puerto Ricans in the 73-63 win. Iran will still be seething over the lead they gave up against Puerto in their first match. Their tournament is over with a 79-67 loss to Tunisia.
Spain should win comfortably with the Game Total going over.
These are some Basketball World Cup Picks for September 4 2019.
Results Today
Head to Head – 6/8
Game Total – 4/8
Click the links below to see the Fiba Picks for all the previous days.