Canada vs Latvia Prediction & Betting Tips - Basketball World Cup

Prediction published on 28/08/2023, 16:35  by Joseph King | Modified on 28/08/2023 at 16:35 in Basketball World Cup Predictions

The final group stage game in the FIBA World Cup sees first-place Canada taking on second-place Latvia in Group H. Both nations come into this showdown with two wins from the first two games, meaning the winner of this encounter will top the group. It’s been an impressive display from the Canadians so far and they are showing why they are the bookmakers’ second favorites to win gold. Canada cruised to a statement 95-65 win over fourth-ranked France in their first game. They would follow that up with a straightforward 128-73 blowout of Lebanon on Sunday. They’ve now won their last two in a row and five of their last seven. In Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada have a bonafide superstar and MVP candidate leading their talented team. The Thunder guard put on a show against the French, dropping 27 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. The 25-year-old followed that up with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists in only 17 minutes of action against Lebanon.

Latvia have been one of the surprise teams of the tournament so far. They crushed Lebanon by 39 points in their opener and would follow that up with a shock 88-86 victory over France in the second group stage match. Latvia are in incredible form at the moment and must be considered as one of the dark horses to grab a medal spot. Despite being without star Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia managed to top their qualifying group with five wins from six games. Across all competitions, they’re currently on a run of 17 wins from their last 18 matches. Apart from France, Latvia also managed to down two other top-10 ranked teams during that run in Serbia and Greece (twice). If the Latvians can keep up this hot shooting, they’re a threat to beat any team in this competition.