2023 FIBA World Cup Update Entering Quarterfinals

When the 2023 FIBA World Cup began late last month, 32 teams represented their respective counties in one of the most anticipated basketball events of the year. Among these 32 teams, three featured members of the Thunder as five players on the Oklahoma City roster competed in the event. Since the start, 24 teams have been eliminated through the first two rounds of group play.

One of these squads was Australia, who was essentially eliminated following a loss to Slovenia on Friday. As such, both Josh Giddey and Jack White are done playing in this tournament. For Giddey specifically, this event was yet another datapoint that suggests he’s a future star. He was the headliner for the Boomers and one of the best players in the entire tournament despite being 20 years old.

The two remaining teams with Thunder representation are Canada — with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort — as well as Latvia, who Davis Bertans has helped make it this far.

There’s only a handful of games left in this event, but the Thunder will continue to be well represented down the stretch of the tournament.

Players

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada)
• Lu Dort (Canada)
• Davis Bertans (Latvia)

It took a comback win over Spain, but Gilgeous-Alexander was able to score 11 points in the final two minutes of the contest to get Canada to the quarterfinals. He continues to prove that he’s one of the best players in the entire world and can take his game to a new level when a clutch performance is needed. Meanwhile, Dort’s production has been inconsistent in this tournament, but certainly has what it takes to get the team over the hump on both ends.

One of the more surprising teams still in this event is Latvia, in large part due to the play of Bertans. It’s been an incredible team effort, but he has been one of the most important pieces on the roster.

Team Odds

As the field of teams has been reduced from 32 to eight, the odds of each team to win it all has fluctuated. With that in mind, the one constant has been the United States being the clear favorite.

Given Spain was eliminated over the weekend, a new winner will be crowned this year as they won’t be able to win back-to-back championships. Behind the United States, Canada has the second highest odds to win it all, while Latvia is still very much a longshot according to the odds.

• Canada: +450 (#2)
• Latvia: +6500 (#7)

Although Latvia is seventh out of eight teams to win this tournament, they shouldn’t be counted out. This is a team that’s already defied odds and has the talent to continue winning games against anyone. Canada has a ton of NBA talent, but will need to put together more consistent performances if they want to move on and maintain a chance to win the event.

Schedule

At this point in the tournament, every single game matters even more. With less than a week remaining, the eight teams still standing will begin to be eliminated quickly.

On Wednesday, all three remaining members of the Thunder will take the court in two separate games during the quarterfinals.

• Sep. 6: Germany vs Latvia – 3:45 AM CST
• Sep. 6: Canada vs Slovenia – 7:30 AM CST

From there, the semifinals will take place on Friday, then the final games to determine medal order will take place on Sunday.

Germany has several current NBA players and is undefeated to this point. As such, Latvia will once again be an underdog in this contest.

While Canada will be the favorite against Slovenia, never count out a team with Luka Doncic. This is a group that already beat Australia earlier in the event and plays well as a team. The matchup of Gilgeous-alexander and Doncic will arguably be the best of the entire tournament.

There’s a lot at stake longer term for these countries, as the top two teams from each of the Americas and Europe, and the top team from each of Africa, Asia and Oceania, will qualify alongside the host country (France) in the upcoming Olympics.

NBA training camp is roughly a month away, meaning this is an opportunity for several members of the Thunder to keep improving with on-court reps and stay in game shape. Once October comes around, the focus will be fully on playing for Oklahoma City and getting ready for the 2023-24 campaign.