2019 FIBA basketball World Cup | Betting Predictions and Preview

China will host the 18th edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, with USA being on a quest to win their sixth trophy at the major tournament. Seeing that the defending champions will be without several star players at the upcoming showpiece tournament, European teams could spoil the Yanks’ party this time out. Anyhow, a number of entertaining games are on the horizon as several NBA stars have decided to represent their homelands at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

No fewer than 32 teams will take part at the 2019 Basketball World Cup in China, with eight cities hosting the matches. The World Cup games will be hosted by Wukesong Sport Center in Beijing, Gymnasium of Youth Olimpic Games Sport Park in Nanjing, Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, Wuhan Sports Center in Wuhan, Dongguan Basketball Center in Dongguan, Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena in Foshan, Guangzhou Gymnasium in Guangzhou and Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre in Shenzhen.

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The title game will be played on September 15, 2019 at Wukesong Sports Center, the venue which can hold up to 18,000 spectators. This arena will host both semi-final games and the third-place play-off as well, whereas quarter-final matches will be played in Dongguan and Shanghai respectively.

It has to be noted that China host the World Cup finals for the first time ever. 13 years ago fellow Asian country Japan hosted the prestigious basketball tournament.

Which teams booked their place at the FIBA World Cup?

As previously mentioned, 32 teams will compete at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. China, the home country, automatically qualified for the tournament.

The following countries will take part at the 2019 Basketball World Cup:

FIBA Basketball World Cup history

It has been 69 years since Argentina hosted the first ever edition of the Basketball World Cup. Back then the South American team won the tournament, with USA finishing second. The South American countries were the dominant forces at the showpiece tournament until 1970 when Yugoslavia clinched their first World Cup trophy. The Yugoslavs repeated the success eight years later in Philippines, with the team beating Soviet Union in the title game 82-81 after extra-time.

Four years later the Soviets did remarkably well to make amends for the unlucky defeat to Yugoslavia as they defeated United States of America in the final of the 1982 tournament. In 1986 USA got their revenge on Soviet Union as Lute Olson’s troops recorded a hard-fought 87-85 win over Valeri Tikhonenko and Co. You should know that Yugoslav ace Drazen Petrovic was named MVP of the tournament despite the fact that his country won bronze medal.

RUSSEL WESTBROOK DRIVES TO THE BASKET IN FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BETWEEN USA AND LITHUANIA | OLEKSIY NAUMOV / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Yugoslavia clinched their third World Cup trophy at the tournament in Argentina (1990) as they once again proved their worth in a match against Soviet Union (92-75). This time out Chicago Bulls star Toni Kuco won the MVP award and seeing that Yugoslavia coach Dusan Ivkovic counted on the likes of Drazen Petrovic, Zarko Paspalj, Jure Zdovc, Vlade Divac, Arijan Komazec and Velimir Perasovic at the 1990 tournament as well, it is no surprise the Blues outclassed the Soviets in the title game.

USA, though, are level on titles with Yugoslavia as they clinched their fifth World Cup trophy in Spain five years ago. Kyre Irving and Co. outclassed Yugoslavia’s successors Serbia in the final of the tournament 129-92 and, no doubt, they are determined to defend their trophy in China.

Despite having a number of talented and high-profile players to choose from at the last few World Cup finals, Spain have won no more than one trophy at the major tournament. La Furia Roja crushed Greece 70-47 in the 2006 FIBA World Cup final in Japan, with Pau Gasol lifting the MVP award.

Which markets are available at the FIBA World Cup?

Punters who enjoy betting on basketball mainly put their money on match winner bets. However, seeing that at the World Cup finals the difference between two teams could be pretty big, bettors must consider handicap bets as well.

Short-term bets include over/under and teams total points markets as well, but when it comes to betting on the Basketball World Cup, betting lovers often decide to try their luck with long term bets.

Betting on group winners could be very exciting, but seeing that tournament favourites aim to avoid fellow title-chasing teams in the knockout stages, we do not recommend you to put your money on group winner outright bets.

Speaking of the tournament winner, this type of long-term bet could prove to be a boost to your sportsbook account. Underdogs rarely manage to beat the odds and spoil the favourites’ party; therefore, you should back title contenders to go all the way at the tournament in China.

Yet another interesting market is players’ total points. These special bets have established themselves as one of the most common basketball betting options. We recommend you to follow team news closely as coaches often rest key players in matches against bottom-table sides.

FIBA World Cup stats

As expected, United States of America scored the most points at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Mike Krzyzewski’s men were averaging 104.6 points at the tournament in Spain, but seeing that new coach Gregg Popovich can’t count on the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Derrick Rose, DeMar DeRozan, Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins and James Harden, who played for USA five years ago, the Yanks are unlikely to repeat the success, speaking of number of points scored.

Serbia, on the other hand, who were averaging 82.6 points at the 2014 World Cup, could improve offensively as Denver Nuggets ace Nikola Jokic will lead Aleksandar Djordjevic’s team at the upcoming showpiece tournament. “The Joker” impressed in the NBA play-offs earlier in 2019, scoring in double figures in 17 of his last 21 games.

USA are once again expected to dominate in rebounds as they collected no fewer than 403 rebounds at the last edition of the FIBA World Cup, 201 more than Angola, who had 40.4 rebounds per game at the 2014 tournament.

Speaking of three throws, it has to be noted that Philippines were the most accurate team from the free throw line at the 2014 Basketball Cup, with the percentage of 79.6. Serbia were shooting free throws almost perfectly in warm-up games ahead of the start of the World Cup in China, meaning that they could overtake Philippines in this category.

FIBA World Cup odds

Betting on basketball could be very popular in days to come as the FIBA World Cup is considered one of the most followed sporting events in the world.

Backing favourites at the forthcoming tournament in China is unlikely to prove fruitful for punters as odds on star-studded teams are pretty low or do not exist at all. Handicap bets could be pretty risky, but considering that bookies offer odds of 9/10 (1.90) on each team, this betting market is definitely worth a try.

Finding the best odds and lines could be the key to success when it comes to betting on Basketball World Cup. We strongly recommend you to follow sites specialized for odds comparison if you are to find the best possible odds.

Depending on the team news, odds are dropping or rising, therefore, monitoring the odds movements is likely to help you benefit from betting on World Cup basketball games. Coaches often rest starters in games against “smaller” teams, meaning that spread betting on underdogs should be considered when it comes to the tournament in China.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group A betting odds

As always, home country China are placed in Group A, with the Asian team facing the likes of Poland, Venezuela and Ivory Coast in the group stages of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The Chinese national team are 19/20 at bet365 to win the group, whereas bookies offer odds of 1/1 on the Poles to clinch top position in Group A. Venezuela, who qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006 and Ivory Coast have slim chances of booking their place in the second round.

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Group B betting odds

Speaking of Group B, Argentina are seen as main favourites to win the group as experienced tactician Sergio Hernandez will count on several top-class players at the 2019 World Cup: Facundo Campazzo (Real Madrid), Gabriel Deck (Real Madrid), Luis Scola (Shanghai Sharks), Luca Vildoza (Baskonia), Nicolas Lapravittola (Real Madrid) and Patricio Garino (Baskonia). In Alexey Shved’s absence, a man to watch in the Russian national team will be Nikita Kurbanov, who won the Euroleague with CSKA earlier in 2019. However, without Shved in the starting line-up, the Russians are unlikely to win Group B. Argentina are 4/5 at William Hill to clinch top position in their group. Nigeria could be the dark horses of the tournament, whilst South Korea are likely to serve as a cannon fodder for fellow Group B rivals.

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Group C betting odds

Spain have been grouped with the likes of Iran, Puerto Rico and Tunisia at the 2019 Basketball World Cup and it is no wonder they are considered as hot favourites to win the group. La Furia Roja are just 1/100 at Betway to clinch top position in Group C, with all Puerto Rico, Tunisia and Tunisia vying for the second position and a spot in the round 2.

Pau Gasol is no longer part of the Spain national team, but all eyes will be on his Brother Marc when Sergio Scariolo’s troops take on Tunisia at Guangzhou Gymnasium in their World Cup opener. Yet another man to watch in the Spain national team will be experienced shooting guard Sergio Llull.

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Group D betting odds

Serbia, who were impressive in warm-up games, will take on the likes of Italy, Angola and Philippines in Group D. Aleksandar Djordjevic’s troops are seen as No. 2 favourites to win the 2019 World Cup trophy and they are widely expected to clinch top position in their group.

Seeing that Aleksandar Djordjevic can count on NBA trio Nikola Jokic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nemanja Bjelica for the upcoming tournament, it is no surprise 888sport offers odds of 1/16 on the Serbs to win the group. However, the Italians should not be written off just yet as the likes of Marco Belinelli, Danilo Gallinari and Luigi Datome will represent the Azzurri at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

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Group E betting odds

USA “Dream Team” travel to China with a severely-weakened squad. Gregg Popovich’s team will not feature many star players at the forthcoming tournament and it has to be noted that the likes of Kemba Walker (Boston Celtics), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks) and Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings) are considered one of the team’s key players.

United States of America have been grouped with Turkey, Japan and Czech Republic at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, with the Turks and the Czechs vying for a spot in the next round. A man to keep an eye on in Ufuk Sarica’s team will be Milwaukee Bucks star Ersan Ilyasova, but Fenerbahce shooting guard Melih Mahmutoglu could play an important role in the Turkey national team as well.

Speaking of Czech Republic, the European side will be without Jan Vesely, who misses the tournament in China through injury and that is the main reason why Turkey are widely expected to secure a top-two finish. USA, though, are just 1/100 at Betfair to clinch top position in Group E.

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Group F betting odds

A number of entertaining games are on the horizon in Group F as it pits together Greece, New Zealand, Brazil and Montenegro. Given the number of top-class players in Thanasis Skourtopoulos’ team, it is no surprise the Greeks are seen as hot favourites to win the group. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. are just 1/5 at bet365 to win first position in Group F.

Second place in Group F should be at stake when Brazil and Montenegro face each other at Youth Olympic Sports Park in Nanjing in their last group game, whereas New Zealand, who were struggling in warm-up matches, have slim chances of securing a top-two finish.

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Group G betting odds

Led by CSKA point guard Nando de Colo, France are expected to dominate Group G at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. No fewer than six NBA players (Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, Rudy Gobert, Frank Ntilikina, Elie Okobo and Vincent Poirier) will represent les Tricolores at the showpiece tournament in China and, as a result, Vincent Collet’s men are just 1/4 at 888sport to clinch top position in Group G.

Germany should not find it hard to secure a top-two finish as Dominican Republic and Jordan are unlikely to pose a big threat for Henrik Rodl’s charges. A man to watch in the German national team will be Oklahoma City Thunder Dennis Schroder, who is averaging 24.7 points in NBA. You should bear in mind that the Germans are 7/2 to win Group G.

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Group H betting odds

Last but not least is Group H, which pits together Lithuania, Australia, Senegal and Canada. The Lithuanians are still considered one of the best European teams and given the number of high-profile players in Dainius Adomaitis’ team, Memphis Grizzlies superstar Jonas Valanciunas and Co. could spoil Australia’s party in Group H. Lithuania are 2/1 at William Hill to win the group.

Speaking of Australia, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova and experienced center Andrew Bogut should play main roles in Andrej Lemanis’ team at the forthcoming tournament in China. The Australians are 27/20 to clinch top position in their group, but Canada should not be underestimated as American coach Nick Nurse has a number of prolific players to choose from. Senegal, on the other hand, are seen as big underdogs in Group H.

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Title contenders

Despite the fact that USA will be without several star players at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Gregg Popovich’s men are still regarded as No. 1 favourites to win the trophy. The defending champions are 1/2 to go all the way at the tournament in China, but Serbs will not have a better chance than this to win their first World Cup trophy as an independent country.

Aleksandar Djordjevic has brought a “Dream Team” to China and, no doubt, Serbia will give 100% to take advantage of the fact that USA are not as sharp as they were at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. You should know that the vice-champions are 7/2 to lift the trophy.

Bookmakers see the likes of Greece, Spain and France as candidates to win the title as well, but seeing that la Furia Roja’s team is rejuvenated, we do not believe that Sergio Scariolo’s team are going to repeat the success from 2006 when they outclassed Greece in the title game.

Speaking of the Greece national team, Thanasis Skourtopoulos’ men too much rely on NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and it is no wonder they are 19/2 to win the World Cup for the first time ever. France continue life without Tony Parker and despite the fact that Charlotte Hornets shooting guard is still part of the team, les Tricolores are unlikely to go all the way at the tournament in China. France are 33/1 to win the 2019 FIBA World Cup title.

Short-term betting tips

When placing short-term bets, make sure you monitor the odds movements as bookies always know something we don’t. Odds are dropping and rising for a reason, therefore, we strongly recommend you to check out team news, stats and H2H record before placing your short-term bet.

Unlike long-term bets, you can cash-out faster with short-term bets, but keep in mind that luck influences short-term bets more than the long-term ones.

Speaking of short-term betting markets, match winner, total points (over/under) and handicap bets are the most popular among the bettors. Favourites always aim to get their job done in the first two rounds of the group stages, meaning that you should back them at the start of the 2019 Basketball World Cup.

Long-term betting tips

As for long-term bets, it is good to have the patience of a saint when placing these kind of bets. The positive thing about long-term bets is that you can win gain money even if the team you back losses a match at the tournament or in the group stages.

The most popular long-term bets are tournament winner, group winner, tournament MVP, top 3 finish, top scorer etc. Bookies often offer higher odds on outright bets, meaning that they are definitely worth a try.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who won the NBA regular season MVP award, is likely to dominate at the 2019 FIBA World Cup as well and, speaking of the world champions, star-studded Serbia could spoil USA’s party at the showpiece tournament in China.

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Is the FIBA World Cup a good sport to bet on?

If you like betting on basketball, FIBA World Cup is definitely the right place for you. Playing for the national team is the highlight of every basketball player’s career and seeing that they leave their hearts on the court in every single match, underdogs rarely go all the way at the World Cup finals. Seeing that 92 games in total will be played at the tournament in China, there will be a plenty of betting opportunities in days to come.

Is there any opportunity to make a good profit within the FIBA World Cup?

Off course, but you must be wise and patient if you are to benefit from betting on the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Set up your stake, follow team news, monitor odds movements and never bet more than you can afford to lose

How do I best get started by betting on the FIBA World Cup?

First thing you need to do before you start placing your FIBA World Cup bets is to open a betting account and make your first deposit. You can do it here by signing up with one of the famous online bookmakers.

Is the FIBA World Cup a safe and fair market to bet on?

Yes. Basketball is considered one of the fairest sports to bet on and you should bear in mind that World Cup games are rarely fixed.[/infobox-grey]