A colossal matchup between Spain and Canada this Sunday in Indonesia. Both teams desperately need to win this game in order to keep their title hopes alive in the 2023 FIBA Olympics. Otherwise, it’s going to be ‘Hello, Bali’ for the loser.
Catch this game live on Sunday, September 3, at 9:30 PM, Manila time
Spain (3-1)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Alberto Diaz
- SG: Sergio Llull
- SF: Victor Claver
- PF: Juancho Hernangomez
- C: Willy Hernangomez
The Spanish Armada suffered a debilitating, as Spain were stunned by Latvia in a 74-69 loss in Jakarta on Friday. It’s not the end of the world for Spain, though. They just need to overcome Canada and they’re through to the next round. That is going to be easier said than done, but despite the loss to Latvia, Spain are still regarded as an elite team with a loaded and experienced roster in the international setting.
Their frontcourt sibling duo of Willy Hernangomez and Juancho Hernangomez are leading Spain with 16.5 points and 12.3 points, respectively, in the tournament, thus far. With Santi Aldama and Usman Garuba backing the Hernangomez brothers up, Spain have a pretty solid depth up front. With those guys in the middle, Spain is averaging 4.0 blocks a game in Jakarta. So long as Spain have those guys, they’ll be a headache to deal with inside, at the rim, and on the glass.
Canada (3-1)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: R.J. Barrett
- SF: Dillon Brooks
- PF: Dwight Powell
- C: Kelly Olynyk
Like Spain, Canada are coming off an upset loss on Friday at the hands of Brazil to the tune of a 69-65 score. Canada; ‘s offense hit a snag in the Brazil game, as they shot just 39.4 percent from the field and went just 8/30 from deep. But that kind of woeful shooting was probably due, as Canada had been lights out in the prior games in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. They should be better in the Spain game in that area.
Canada have also another good reason to feel that their shooting will be back up this Sunday: They already defeated Spain this year. A little over a week before the World Cup, Canada took down the Spaniards in Granada, 85-80, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading his team. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard went off for 22 points, while RJ Barrett had 18. Spain seem to have the advantage in the frontcourt, but Canada appear to have more versatility and explosiveness on offense around the perimeter. Still, don’t sleep on Dwight Powell, who had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds in the said meeting with Spain.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: Spain (+6.5) cover the spread.
Over/Under: The total (168.0) hits the Over.
ÖZLEM