Team Canada hopes to make it three in a row in the Group stage when they face Spain.
Catch the game on Friday, August 2nd, at 11:15 PM, Manila time.
Canada (2-0)
Starting five:
- Shai Gilgeous Alexander
- Lu Dort
- RJ Barrett
- Dillon Brooks
- Dwight Powell
Team Canada is coming in having won their first two Group stage games – 86-79 vs. Greece last July 28th, and 93-83 vs. Australia on July 30th. Their talent and confidence were pretty evident in both contests.
The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett 1-2 punch is powering the Canadians thus far, with the latter providing 23.5 points per game on 59.3% shooting, and the former posting an all-around 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks on an efficient 65% clip.
They are in a favorable matchup vs. Spain, so we should see more of the same. Adding to the team’s success is the effect of the role players, most notably wing defenders Dillon Brooks (15.0 PPG, 5/7 3FGs) and Lu Dort (0.0 PPG, 54.5 FG%).
The lone NBA champion on the roster, Jamal Murray, is one to watch out for as well, but for a different reason. He has only shot 4-of-13 in total, and must find his rhythm soon. We’ll see if Friday is the day.

Spain (1-1)
Starting five:
- Lorenzo Brown
- Sergio Llull
- Juan Hernangomez
- Santi Aldama
- Willy Hernangomez
After a 92-80 loss to Australia in the tournament opener, Spain entered the win column this past Tuesday with an 83-77 victory over Greece. They couldn’t contain Giannis Antetokounmpo, but did a good job on all others as they held the rest to just 35.8% shooting.
Memphis Grizzlies stretch forward/center Santi Aldama is Spain’s key man. He has been leading the team’s scoring with 23.0 PPG and a combined 9-of-16 shooting from downtown. Spain needs all that and more against Canada’s firepower, so he ought to bring it.
Co-NBA cager Willy Hernangomez (12.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG), team veteran Sergio Llull (15.0 PPG, 38.1 3FG%), and facilitator Lorenzo Brown (7.5 PPG, 8.5 APG) have figured to be the other main options. Like Aldama, they really need to be in their A game for this one. It will be tough, but there’s definitely room for an upset if they execute well enough.
PICKS:
Spread: Canada (-9)
Over/Under: Over (169)
