Spain vs Canada Prediction & Betting Tips - Basketball World Cup

Prediction published on 03/09/2023, 02:41  by Joseph King | Modified on 03/09/2023 at 02:41 in Basketball World Cup Predictions

The FIBA World Cup sees second-place Spain needing a win over first-place Canada when the two nations clash for the final game in Group L. It’s been a frankly shocking 48 hours for Spain who went from pole position to being on the verge of elimination. The defending champions cruised through their initial Group G, winning all three of their games by an average margin of 26 points. However, a disastrous 74-69 loss to Latvia in the first Group L game was made all the worse as Brazil pulled off a shock 69-65 win over Canada. The results mean that Spain must beat Canada in Sunday’s meeting or they will be sent home before the quarter-final. The loss to the Latvians snapped a four game winning streak for the FIBA world number one ranked team. It was also the worst possible time for their offense to go cold as they failed to break the 70 point mark for the first time since February of this year.

Canada also find themselves in a must-win spot as a loss here would send them home. It would be a massively disappointing result as the Canadians were the second-favorites to win gold. It’s undeniable how impressive they were in the initial group stage as they trounced France by 30 points, Lebanon by 56 points and Latvia by 26 points. It just goes to highlight how monumental Brazil’s upset against Canada was in their last appearance, throwing a wrench into the Group L expectations. Canada shot just 33% in their loss to Brazil and were out-hustled by the scrappy underdogs all night. Brazil outrebounded the heavy favorites 43-37 while also recording more steals (6) and blocks (5). While nobody is truly able to contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who scored 23 in the loss), Brazil were able to essentially shut down the supporting cast. Only one other player, Lou Dort, scored in double-digits.