The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup has been underway for only 10 days, and already we’re heading into playoffs mode. What started as 32 teams have been reduced to eight, and over the coming five days, we’ll find a winner of this year’s tournament.
Only two teams remain unbeaten, with both Lithuania and Germany navigating the first and second rounds without a loss. While the United States were pipped by Lithuania in the second round, they’re still heavy favourites to take out the tournament now that we’re into the FIBA World Cup playoffs. Can America get across the line here or will they yet again suffer another upset? Read on for our betting recommendations, based on the latest odds by bookmaker bet365.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 4th, 6:00 P.M. (GMT)
The outright betting odds from bookmaker bet365 paint a clear picture: Team USA should win the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. With odds of 1.80, they are well ahead of the next best side, Canada at 5.50. Behind them, Germany is listed third on 8.50, followed closely by Lithuania on 9.50 and Serbia at 10.00. From here, the odds drop off sharply, with Slovenia, Italy and Latvia all between 23.00 and 71.00 to win.
bet365 also offers an interesting betting line of most likely to win other than the favourite. Here, we see Canada is favoured due to their position in the draw, with Lithuania next at 4.75, followed by Serbia, Germany and Slovenia.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 4th, 6:00 P.M. (GMT)
In terms of the best bets to make on the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup playoffs, this is all about deciding whether or not to back Team USA. We say don’t. Their recent loss to Lithuania just confirms the fact that they aren’t bulletproof as we saw at the most recent World Cup. While they’re still the most likely team to win, for a return of 1.80, it isn’t a worthwhile bet.
Instead, we say back Lithuania to continue their unbeaten run. Wagering on them to win outright would be the most lucrative option, but would require them pulling off some seriously impressive results—likely needing to defeat Serbia, Canada and the United States in consecutive matches. A better value bet is backing them to make the final, with odds of 4.75. This allows for the United States bouncing back and defeating them in the final but still generates a healthy return.
