Canada vs. Slovenia 2023 FIBA World Cup Odds and Preview

By Jeff Stinger • September 5, 2023

The 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinal closes with a matchup between Canada and Slovenia. Canada demolished all of its opponents in the group stage with massive wins against France, Latvia, and Lebanon. Even though they went off-course in the hands of Brazil, Canada bounced back with some incredible plays to beat defending World and EuroBasket champions Spain.

Simultaneously, Slovenia was on a four-game winning streak thanks largely to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. The 2017 EuroBasket winners beat Georgia, Cape Verde, Venezuela, and Australia. With a place in the quarters locked in, the European nation withstood a heavy loss to Germany in its last contest.

Canada vs. Slovenia 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Game Info

This is a Luka Doncic appreciation post.

Team Slovenia arrived in the Philippines and practiced at the Mall of Asia Arena for the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals against Canada.

There's just one thing we have to say: Watch out for the balls! #FIBAWC #WinForSlovenia pic.twitter.com/PmPVJ1Ivbq
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 4, 2023

When: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 8:30 AM ET
Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines
Live Stream: ESPN+
2023 FIBA World Cup Betting Odds: USA Canada (-8.5) // Slovenia (+8.5)

Why Bet on Canada?

Canada tolerated ups and downs in leading up to the quarterfinals. They were the most dominant of all teams in the first round, only to nearly fall in the second round. The Canadians crumbled in the hands of Brazil, 69-65, and everything was on the light with the Spain clash. Canada trailed by double digits at the start of the fourth quarter but reeled themselves in to win the game by three points in an 88-85 final score.

Three players stood strong for Canada in that tussle versus Spain. The highlight of the roster, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finished the night with 30 points. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar is the top favorite to win tournament MVP. Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks held his own with 22 points and three of three from deep, while RJ Barrett scored 16 that night. Moreover, Kelly Olynyk hit a pair of clutch three-pointers to help Canada complete the victory. The result means Canada hit one of its two primary objectives–qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris.

The North American nation enters this game as the favorite. With rugged defenders like Brooks and Dort, they can slow down Slovenian powerhouse Luka Doncic. Canada can also keep up with the threat of Mike Tobey with long-range shooters.

Why Bet on Slovenia?

Injury is one of Slovenia’s main concerns even before the 2023 FIBA World Cup started. Nevertheless, head coach Aleksander Sekulić did well to utilize the available pieces. The nation finished first in the group with an undefeated 3-0 record, then crushed Australia in the second round. But, Germany stood strong and exposed certain weaknesses in a 100-71 defeat.

Everyone knows that this team is highly dependent on Luka Doncic. The ball-dominant forward is responsible for everything on the offensive end. Most of the plays originate from him and Mike Tobey, which usually forces opponents to introduce a third defender into the pick. This strategy opens up plenty of space for three-point shots if the rotations are timed well. Names like Aleksej Nikolic, Jaka Blazic, Zoran Dragic, and Klemen Prepelic can take advantage of such openings. After all, Slovenia is almost helpless without their three-point shooting.

Canada is expected to close in on any opportunities from downtown. Slovenia will struggle to threaten their upcoming opponents from range. However, if Doncic can deliver over 30 points and perform at his best, there’s reason to believe they can get past their biggest challenge so far.

Canada vs. Slovenia Expert Betting Prediction

Get ready for more Luka Doncic and Mike Tobey action in this one. They are likely to log more playing minutes as Slovenia looks to run the duo as hard as they can to keep up with the match favorites. Their opponents look more capable of going all the way to the Finals. Canada’s recent loss to Brazil ignites the fire in them more.

The Germans exposed Slovenian’s weaknesses, which Canada is slated to attack on Wednesday night. Head coach Jordi Fernández can easily replicate the playing style given the talent in his pool. We believe the Europeans can stay close and cover the spread, but it will take every ounce of their talent to get past the North American nation.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2023-24 FIBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online crypto sportsbook.