How to bet on the Philippine basketball team for the 2023 World Cup?

Philippine Basketball Team: what prediction for the 2023 World Cup?

As the countdown to the much-awaited 2023 FIBA World Cup edges closer, all eyes are on Manila, where the final preparations are underway for the grand international basketball extravaganza. 

With 15 national teams poised to descend upon the Philippine capital, the fervor among basketball enthusiasts is palpable. The Philippines, alongside Italy, Angola, and the Dominican Republic, forms Group A, a collection of teams poised for an intense battle for supremacy. 

Bet on FIBA World Cup now!

Philippines to make home court advantage count

Group A of the FIBA World Cup promises to be a true battleground fraught with uncertainty and excitement. Among the contenders are Italy, a perennial force in European championships, yet one that has historically fallen short at the FIBA World Cup. Despite not boasting the most formidable roster, Italy's blend of seasoned veterans and budding talents make them an incredible team to watch. 

Simultaneously, the Philippine basketball team, known as Gilas, enters the tournament with the advantage of home-court support and a storied history at the FIBA World Cup. Anchored by the nation's sole NBA-level player, Jordan Clarkson, the Philippines aims to defy the odds and make a memorable run in the competition.

The team's achievements include securing a bronze medal in the 1954 FIBA World Championship, which is still the most impressive accomplishment for any team beyond the realms of the Americas and Europe. They also earned a remarkable fifth-place finish in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

The Philippine team, a basketball powerhouse in Asia, has a unique opportunity to leverage home-court advantage and build upon its legacy at the FIBA World Cup. he team's roster is characterized by youth and potential, led by players like June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and RR Pogoy, who were part of the 2019 squad. The addition of talents such as Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson, rising star Kai Sotto, and prolific scorer Dwight Ramos further enhances the team's chances to shine on the international stage. 

The Gilas' recent recapture of the regional title has fueled their ambition, providing a significant boost as they gear up for the World Cup. Crucially, the 2023 FIBA World Cup offers a direct route to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, intensifying the stakes for all teams involved.

Basketball World Cup 2023 - Philippines Fixtures

• Friday, 25 August 2023 - vs Dominican Republic – Philippine Arena, Bocaue
• Sunday, 27 August 2023 - vs Angola – Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
• Tuesday, 29 August 2023 - vs Italy – Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City

You can keep up to date with all the live scores and results at SportyTrader’s livescore page.

What Bets to Make on the Philippines in the 2023 Basketball World Cup?

Expectations might be modest for the Philippines; however, as the host nation, they are gearing up to leverage the potential of one of their most skillful rosters in recent memory. Their goal is to surpass their performance in the 2019 World Cup, during which they encountered defeats from both Italy and Angola in Group D – teams they are set to face in Group A this year. 

Italy stands as the frontrunner to clinch supremacy in Group A, and are currently priced between 0.8 - 1.0 with bookmakers like Bet365 and Betway to win the group. You can see all the updated odds for the 2023 Basketball World Cup on SportyTrader’s odds page. 

Following their loss to Brazil in the Quarter-Finals of the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup, Dominican Republic took a strategic move by re-enlisting Nestor Garcia for their final qualification window. In a monumental upset etched in the annals of FIBA America's history, Dominican Republic rallied from a daunting 61-44 deficit against Argentina during the closing qualification window, cementing their berth in the World Cup. They are the current second-favourite according to bookmarkers Bet365 and 10Bet, who are pricing them in the region of 2.0 to qualify from Group A. 

Angola strides into the 2023 tournament with aspirations of advancing to the second group phase. Their journey to the FIBA World Cup required patience, as they secured eligibility in the February window. However, once in the fray, Angola displayed dominance, overwhelming Cape Verde and sealing their spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup through an emphatic qualification process. The African representatives are 100/1 outsiders at Betway to win Group A. 

Fixture 1: Philippines vs. Angola

The Philippines' campaign kicks off against Angola, the African representative in Group A. Angola, while not as renowned as some of the other basketball powerhouses, has a rich history in international competitions. Their style of play often combines physicality with tactical finesse, making them a potentially tough opponent. The key for the Philippines in this fixture will be to establish a balanced offensive approach that exploits Angola's defensive vulnerabilities while also maintaining a strong defensive presence to limit their opponent's scoring opportunities. Given the Gilas' youthful exuberance and home-court advantage, they are poised to secure a victory in this opening fixture. The team's energy, coupled with the support of passionate Filipino fans, should enable them to outpace Angola. Final score:

Prediction: Philippines wins.

Fixture 2: Philippines vs. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, with a strong basketball tradition, presents a significant challenge for the Philippines. They are likely to bring a physically imposing lineup to the court, aiming to dominate the boards and control the tempo of the game. The key for the Gilas in this fixture will be to maintain their offensive flow while adapting to the Dominican Republic's physicality. Effective ball movement and sharp perimeter shooting will be crucial in breaking down their opponent's defense. Expect a tightly contested match that could go down to the wire. The Philippines' agility and quick transitions could catch the Dominican Republic off-guard. This is likely the most important match of the group for the Philippines and will likely determine whether they qualify for the knockout rounds or not. 

Prediction: Philippines wins.

Fixture 3: Philippines vs. Italy

The fixture against Italy is perhaps the most intriguing in Group A. Italy, historically strong in European competitions, seeks to overcome its FIBA World Cup struggles and make a significant impact. Italy's tactical prowess and ability to exploit defensive gaps can pose challenges for the Philippines. The key for the Gilas in this fixture will be a disciplined defensive approach that limits Italy's high-percentage scoring opportunities while capitalizing on transition offense. This fixture promises to be a closely contested battle between two determined teams but the European side should come out on top. 

Prediction: Italy wins by less than 5 points.

Did you Know? 

• The Philippines holds a distinctive place in Olympic basketball history. In the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, they became the first-ever Asian nation to compete in the Olympic basketball tournament. Achieving an impressive fifth-place finish, the team laid the foundation for the Philippines' enduring basketball legacy on the international stage.
• The Philippines takes immense pride in its fervent basketball fan base. Known for their passionate support, the fans are referred to as the "Sixth Man" due to their influence on the team's performance. This enthusiastic backing often transforms their home games into electric atmospheres that inspire the players to elevate their performance.
• The Philippines national basketball team is known for embodying the Filipino value of "puso," which translates to "heart" in English. This term reflects the team's unwavering determination, resilience, and fighting spirit, even in the face of adversity. The "puso" mentality has become a rallying cry for the team, symbolizing their commitment to giving their all on the court, irrespective of the odds.

You can find more expert advice on our 2023 Basketball World Cup betting tips page. It is also helpful to consult our 2023 Basketball World Cup odds comparator and 2023 Basketball World Cup livescore tool.