When it comes to sports betting, the United States is always a major contender in international competitions regardless of the roster they send. The 2023 FIBA World Cup, taking place from August 25 to September 10 in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, is no exception, as Team USA stands on minus odds to win the golden medal.
The International Basketball Federation’s flagship event starts on August 25, with the gold medal game scheduled for September 10. Although they will not put their main stars into the World Cup play, the United States will be highly motivated to make amends for a subpar quarterfinal elimination in the tournament’s previous edition.
In this guide to 2023 FIBA basketball, we will discuss the complete roster, mention the chief rivals on the road to the title, and check the best wagering options at US sportsbooks. as the tournament’s start is just around the corner.
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The Latest USA Performances
After winning back-to-back World Cup titles in 2010 and 2014, the United States sent their “B” team to the 2019 World Cup in China. Gregg Popovich’s men were still big favorites back then, with Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown in the squad.
Nevertheless, Team USA snapped their 24-game winning thread in the World Cup games, including five straight wins in China, by falling 89-79 to France in the quarterfinals.
A seventh-place finish at the previous World Cup was a genuine call for vengeance at the Olympic Games in Tokyo two years later. The United States cruised to the title with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Damian Lillard, putting on a show in the Japanese capital.
The 2023 World Cup Roster
G League players did the easier part of the job in the qualifying rounds. The time has come for the NBA stars to shine on the big stage. The first look at the completed 2023 FIBA World Cup roster screams excitement.
These players are by no means the best America have, but most will enter the tournament on the back of phenomenal campaigns for their respective teams in the NBA.
We will go through each position to see how this roster is packed. Steve Kerr, who took over Gregg Popovich on the bench, should have enough shooting, size, playmaking, and defensive options to take this team all the way. We will explain why in the paragraphs below.
Point Guards — Jaylen Brunson / Tyrese Haliburton
Jaylen Brunson left Luka Doncic’s shadow midway through last season, and it proved to be a fantastic move for the talented point guard. Jaylen has found a new home in New York, where he has had an extraordinary season with 24 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Brunson almost led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals, and his playmaking and leadership will be a serious weapon for the US team in Manila.
Speaking of playmaking, what should we say about Tyrese Haliburton, who averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game for the Pacers last season? The stunning performances have earned him his maiden All-Star appearance.
Shooting Guards — Anthony Edwards / Austin Reaves
Despite being the second-youngest player on this roster, Anthony Edwards is expected to carry a tremendous weight for Team USA in the Philippines. The Minnesota Timberwolves star averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game last season on 45.9% shooting from the field in 79 starts.
His backup will be Austin Reaves, one of the season’s most improved players. Fresh off earning a new contract, Reaves will provide quality minutes during Edwards’ rest time.
Small Forwards — Mikal Bridges / Cameron Johnson / Josh Hart
Mikal Bridges has flourished since his trade from Phoenix to Brooklyn. The small forward will celebrate his 27th birthday on the day of the game against Jordan (August 30).
The 6-foot-6 star had an extraordinary season with 26.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 27 starts for the Nets. When speaking of Bridges, it is essential to underline his phenomenal perimeter defense. After all, for a good reason, he found his place in the 2021/22 All-Defensive Team in the NBA.
Bridges will have help from his Brooklyn teammate Cameron Johnson, who also had an excellent role with the new team following the trade in a massive package that shipped Kevin Durant out of the Nets. Johnson averaged 16.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in 25 matches with the Nets last season.
Josh Hart could be the “X” factor for the US team this summer. Many critics argue this team lacks the size to compete with the best national outfits on the planet. Nevertheless, Hart will be a serious asset as both rebounder and defender, playing bigger than his actual size.
Power Forwards — Brandon Ingram / Paolo Banchero
The US team is solid on power forwards position with the likes of Brandon Ingram and the latest Rookie of the Year winner Paolo Banchero. Ingram enjoyed his best season by posting career-highs in points and assists per game (24.7 and 5.8, respectively).
He also managed his maiden two triple-doubles in late March, and there are no doubts the 25-year-old New Orleans Pelicans star will be a serious weapon for this squad.
Paolo Banchero chose the United States despite having Italian citizenship since 2020. The 2022 No 1 pick in the draft had a fantastic campaign with Orlando Magic last year, and he will provide additional depth for the already-stacked US roster.
Centers — Jaren Jackson Jr. / Bobby Portis / Walker Kessler
The center position has immediately been labeled as this team’s weakest link. This Steve Kerr’s squad had only two genuine centers like Bobby Portis and Walker Kessler, but the Golden State Warriors head coach will most often use Jaren Jackson Jr. as a five.
Jackson has been chosen the Defensive Player of the Year in the recently finished NBA season with three blocks and a steal per match in 63 starts for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jackson Jr. was one of the major catalysts to the team’s second-position finish on the West, and he will no doubt be the primary rim protector for the USA at the World Cup.
Veteran Bobby Portis and youngster Walker Kessler will provide backup options. We are particularly excited to see Kessler in action after his solid rookie campaign in which he has averaged 2.3 blocks per game for Utah Jazz.
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Who Are the Biggest Rivals?
France
Speaking of the leading US rivals at the upcoming tournament, several countries stand out as the all-time contenders. France is severely hit with the absences of the new No. 1 overall draft pick Victor Wembanyama and the last season’s regular season MVP Joel Embiid.
Nevertheless, Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Nando De Colo, and Nicolas Batum are all available, and nobody can deny their chances. If you believe in French success, head to FanDuel, where you’ll find +1200 for the Tricolores to go all the way in September.
Australia
Australia came fourth in the previous edition of the World Cup and took the medal at the 2021 Olympics. According to American Sportsbooks, they are the main rival to Team USA, being priced at +850 to win the title.
They may not have the most talented roster, but the likes of Joe Ingles, Josh Giddey, Patty Mills, Jock Landale, Josh Freen, and Dyson Daniels are very much capable of causing problems for any team.
Canada
We do not know who will suit up for Canada yet, but if they bring their “A” team to the competition, they will surely be among the main favorites.
After all, the likes of Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can easily be considered among the most talented players in the tournament. Canada currently sits at hefty +1400 odds to win it all.
Slovenia & Greece
Slovenia is always dangerous with Luka Doncic and Mike Tobey, while we can by no means underestimate highly talented Serbia despite the fact they will most likely be without Nikola Jokic. Giannis Antetokounmpo will probably not feature for Greece, which is why they are +2200 to lift the trophy.
Spain
It may come as a surprise, but Spain is only the seventh in the list of the favorites for the title, being priced at the +2000 odds to go all the way. Compared to the last several years, they have limited quality in the roster, but who can underestimate them, considering their glorious past?
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Final Predictions
Considering everything, we find the -170 odds offered for the United States to win the title more than acceptable given the circumstances.
France will be without two of its main stars, Jokic and Giannis will likely miss out on their respective teams, and Spain lacks quality and depth. Finding a team capable of causing problems for this strong and stacked US squad is challenging, although it misses the biggest names.
Team USA should easily top Group C ahead of Greece, New Zealand, and Jordan. The -850 odds you’ll find for this option when you wager at FanDuel will hardly make anyone rich, but we cannot say there is any value in backing anyone else, especially knowing the Greeks will be without their key man.
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