FIBA World Cup: Finland vs Australia Prediction, Odds & Best Bets

The FIBA Basketball World Cup kicks off tomorrow morning at 4AM EST, and we're getting a great matchup to kick things off.

I know you're probably itching for some plays in that Italy vs. Angola game, sorry to disappoint you. We're here to talk about the other big matchup, Finland vs. Australia.

This matchups loaded with NBA talent, mainly on the side Australia; but I'd argue that it's Finland that has best player on the court. Lets jump right into it.

Finland vs. Australia Game Information

Matchup Information

• Location: Okinawa Arena; Okinawa, Japan
• Date: August 25th, 2023
• Time: 4:00 AM EST

Betting Odds

Courtesy of Bovada

Spread

• Finland +10 (-105)
• Australia -10 (-115)

Moneyline

• Finland (+400)
• Australia (-550)

Total

• Over 168.5 (-110)
• Under 168.5 (-110)

Finland vs. Australia Breakdown & Best Bets

Finland is currently coming off its best ever finish on the world stage, placing seventh at EuroBasket 2022, after losing to the eventual winners, Spain, in the Quarter-Finals.

The team was lead by none other than Lauri Markkanen, who averaged 27.9 on 54% from the field; all on an average of 17 shot attempts/game.

On the flip side, the Australians last major tournament was the 2019 World Cup. They finished fourth in that tournament, ALSO losing to the eventual champs, Spain, in double overtime.

Patty Mills was their scoring leader, averaging 22.8 on 49.6% from the field.

This Australian team has moved in a very youthful and athletic direction, replacing guys like Dellavedova and Bogut with Matisse Thybule, Josh Green, and Dante Exum. This Australian guard rotation, lead by Josh Giddey, should be able to get out in transition against this slightly older, and slower Finnish backcourt.

Defensively this Australian back court should be able to handle most back courts in the tournament, but look closely and you'll see, their vulnerability lies inside.

Enter, Lauri Markkanen.

Lauri Markkanen o26.5 Points (-115)

Markkanen began his revenge tour during EuroBasket 2022, where he averaged 27.9 points and 8.1 rebounds, all while shooting 54%. He then came to Utah and proceeded to put the NBA on notice, averaging 26 points and 8.6 rebounds, on 50% in the NBA.

Safe to say, Lauri is him.

The Australians not only have more NBA level talent, but also experience, and youth on their side. Where they lack is in the size department. The Aussie's tallest player checks in at 6'9, almost a full three inches shorter than Lauri's posted height.

Now with Jock Londale also out with injury, the Aussie's are left wide open in the middle.

In addition to the size mismatch, Lauri should see tremendous volume. During EuroBasket 2022, Lauri averaged 17.1 shot attempts/game with his next closest teammate averaged 7.9.

Lauri also finished the tournament second in total free throw attempts, he averaged 7.6 FTA/game, with 1st place being Giannis, averaging 10.5/game.

I'm expecting to see a high scoring game, in which Lauri comes out hunting for mismatches, comes in aggressive, and gets to the free throw line early and often.

Lauri, I know you've got a 30 ball in ya.

Sprinkle Lauri Markkanen 30+ (+200) via Bovada

Josh Giddey o7.5 Assists (-130)

Giddey is the new guy in Australia and he's handling it like a superstar. We saw him put up a near triple double against Venezuela with 14/8R/9A in just 24 minutes during the international friendlies.

This Aussie team scores a lot, and they run in transition. The whole team is either quick and athletic, or a dead eye from three; mix into that a run and gun point guard like Giddey, and we've got a recipe for excitement.

The Australians have averaged 87 points/game in their five international friendlies this month, safe to say they score a lot. Not only do the Aussies score a lot, but Finland gives up a ton of points, 84/game during their four international friendlies; against teams like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

High scoring, high paced, and high energy; thats how I see this game going.

Sprinkle, Josh Giddey 10+ Assists (+220) via Bovada

Bonus Sprinkle, Kelly Olynyk 5+ Assists (+300) via Bovada

Leaving you with this little sprinkle for the Canada/France game. Olynyk in his L2 stints with Team Canada, averaged 4 A/game. There's also been greater emphasis on Kelly pushing the ball in transition, off of missed shots. This should result in an increased amount of assist chances with this talented Canadian squad. He also averaged 5.2 A/game over his L17 games this year in the NBA, its something Kelly has been working to add to his game; and it showed in Utah.

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