USA vs Canada Prediction & Betting Tips - Basketball World Cup

Prediction published on 09/09/2023, 13:47  by Joseph King | Modified on 09/09/2023 at 13:47 in Basketball World Cup Predictions

The United States take on Canada for the third-place game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Many were expecting this matchup to be the gold medal game but disappointing semi-finals for both teams means they are now battling for bronze. The United States fell 113-111 in a wild, high-scoring encounter with Germany in their semi-final appearance on Friday. The defeat means that the Americans were unable to reclaim the FIBA World Cup crown and win the competition for a record sixth time. Team USA have now lost two of their last three outings following. Worryingly, they’ve looked extremely vulnerable on defense in recent outings. Germany shot 58% from the field against the United States in their semi-final win and Lithuania shot 53% in their win against the FIBA second ranked team. The 110-104 loss to Lithuania also saw the USA allow their opponent to shoot 56% from behind the arc.

Canada were unable to overcome Serbia’s fantastic form in the semi-final as they would ultimately succumb to a 95-86 loss. The Canadians might be the more motivated of the two teams as they will be fighting for their first ever podium finish at the FIBA World Cup. In this competition, Canada has five wins and two defeats in this competition with their only other loss coming against Brazil in the first game of the second group phase. The number 15 ranked FIBA team has undoubtedly been one of the best teams at the tournament, ranking third in average points per game (94.7) and fourth in opponent points against (78.7). This will be the first time that Canada has taken on the United States since this time last year. They’ve only managed one win against their geographical rivals in their four total meetings.