Germany continues it fabulous run with a date against Latvia. Both are showcasing efficiency as they are two of only six countries who are shooting above 50% in the World Cup.

Catch the game tomorrow, September 6th, at 4:45 PM.

Germany (5-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Dennis Schroder
  • Andreas Obst
  • Isaac Bonga
  • Mo Wagner
  • Daniel Theis

Germany moved to 5-0 this past Sunday with their 100-71 throttling of Luka Doncic and Slovenia. It was another day of boasting their defense, and they have now won by 18, 3, 25, 27, and 29 points, and have scored 100 or more in each of their last three contests. 

Offense has been good as well, as led by Dennis Schroder posting 19.8 points and 6.8 assists per game while shooting 50% from the floor. Mo Wagner is right there with him, chipping in 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Other key big man Daniel Theis, meanwhile, is delivering an all-around, 11.0 points, 4.8 boards, 2.2 dimes, 1.0 steal, and 0.8 blocks in 20.3 quality minutes.

Tomorrow will be another challenge for these streaking Germans, whose defense has stifled one offense after the other. Their D vs. the Latvians’ outside shooting should be fun to watch.

Latvia (4-1)

Projected starting five:

  • Andrejs Gazulis
  • Arturs Zagars
  • Rodions Kurucs
  • Davis Bertans
  • Rolands Smits

Latvia will be coming off a 20-point blowout victory over Brazil, 104-84, where they splashed 16-of-33 attempts from beyond the arc and protected the ball by only committing six turnovers all game. Such is what the squad needs before facing off the defensive-minded Germany. It was also a good bounce back performance from their 74-69 defeat against Spain. 

As always, we should expect these Latvians to keep hoisting it from three. They are leading the ‘Cup in threes made at 13.2 per game, as led by Davis Bertans, Kristers Zorics, and Arturs Zagars, who are combining for 6.8 threes every outing, closely matching the total of other countries’ averages. The team’s leading scorer, Andrejs Grazulis (13.4 PPG), will join that group in providing damage, and he’s on the heels of a 24-point performance.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: Germany (-9) fails to cover.

Over/Under: The total goes over 169.