Finland vs Australia Basketball Preview: Prediction, rosters and more for the FIBA World Cup 2023

Modified Aug 24, 2023 08:38 GMT

Lauri Markkanen of Finland and Josh Giddey of Australia

The 2023 FIBA World Cup starts on Friday, Aug. 25, in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. Finland and Australia open the tournament in Okinawa City, Japan, in Group E action.

Finland are playing their second World Cup, making their debut in 2014 in Spain. After finishing 22nd, they will look to mprove in this year's edition. They're expected to be led by Lauri Markkanen, who was the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year last season.

Meanwhile, Australia are entering the competition ranked third in the world and boasting a formidable roster. Josh Giddey is expected to have a bigger role for them after taking the leap in his second season with the OKC Thunder.

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2023 FIBA World Cup game preview

Finland were one of the least active teams heading into the 2023 FIBA World Cup in terms of tune-up games. They only had four exhibition games before flying to Japan.

The Wolf Pack split those contests, winning against Lithuania and Estonia and losing to Lithuania and Latvia. Lauri Markkanen played the first three tune-up games and looked good. It should be noted that Markkanen is coming off his mandatory military service for Finland.

Meanwhile, Australia had a pretty solid set of exhibition games in Melbourne and in Japan. They played five tune-up games and won four. Their only loss was an upset to No. 13 Brazil.

The Boomers are looking for their second medal finish following their bronze win at the 2020 Olympics. They reached the semifinals of the 2019 FIBA World Cup but lost to Spain and France to finish fourth.

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Finland vs Australia FIBA World Cup prediction

Australia are the favorites to beat Finland on Aug. 25 at the Okinawa Arena in Japan. They have been playing great basketball in the last two weeks and are an overall better team.

Finland are likely to create problems for the Boomers, especially if Lauri Markkanen starts off hot, Nevertheless, expect Australia to pull off a comfortable win after a second-half surge.