Cape Verde vs Finland Basketball Preview: Prediction, odds, and more for the FIBA World Cup 2023

Modified Aug 30, 2023 18:19 GMT

Cape Verde vs Finland preview, predictions and odds at the 2023 FIBA World Cup (Photos: FIBA)

Cape Verde and Finland play each other on Thursday in the 17th-32nd classification round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The two nations are in Group O with Japan and Venezuela. Let's preview the game and take a look at the predictions, odds and rosters.

The Blue Sharks ended the first round with a 1-2 record, recording a win against Venezuela. The FIBA World Cup debutants have impressed and could look to make a statement by qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Cape Verde has a chance to do so if they end up at the top among African nations in the tournament.

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Meanwhile, Finland was winless in their ongoing FIBA World Cup campaign. They cannot qualify for the Olympics via sub-zone rank but could still make it through the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying tournament.

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2023 FIBA World Cup game preview

Cape Verde put up a good fight against Slovenia on Wednesday. They limited Luka Doncic to just 19 points but still had seven rebounds and nine assists. Betinho Gomes led the way for the Blue Sharks with 17 points, two rebounds and two assists.

Meanwhile, Finland has had a disheartening World Cup campaign. They lost to Australia in their first game and suffered an upset loss to Japan in the second. Germany had their way with them on Tuesday to prevent them from having any chances of moving into the second round.

Thursday's matchup between Cape Verde and Finland will be the first time the two nations will face each other in international competition.

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Cape Verde vs Finland FIBA World Cup prediction and odds

Finland is the marginal favorite to beat Cape Verde. They have a better roster, but their performance at the FIBA World Cup suggests otherwise. Cape Verde has been playing well and could cause an upset if The Wolf Pack are not at their best.

Over/Under: 159.5 (Cape Verde O: -110, Finland U: -110)

Against The Spread: Finland -9.5 (-110), Cape Verde +9.5 (-110)