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In their first game of the FIBA World Cup, Slovenia finds themselves facing off against Venezuela. The game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26, and will air at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Heading into the World Cup, Slovenia was seen as a team that could make a deep run. Led by an NBA superstar in Luka Doncic, they have all the firepower they need. As for Venezuela, they are a younger squad that is looking more towards the future of their national team.
Per the latest power rankings, Doncic and company sit in the No. 8 spot. Venezuela finds themselves more towards the bottom at No. 25.
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Slovenia's 2023 FIBA World Cup roster
- Ziga Samar
- Aleksej Nikolic
- Klemen Prepelic
- Mike Tobey
- Jaka Blazic
- Gregor Hrovat
- Ziga Dimec
- Zoran Dragic
- Bine Prepelic
- Gregor Glas
- Jakob Cebasek
- Luka Doncic
Venezuela's 2023 FIBA World Cup roster
- Gregory Vargas
- Garly Sojo
- Jhornan Zamora
- David Cubillan
- Pedro Chourio
- Miguel Ruiz
- Windi Graterol
- Heissler Guillent
- Yohanner Sifontes
- Michael Carrera
- Jose Materan
- Nestor Colmenares
Slovenia vs. Venezuela predicition
Heading into this matchup, it's clear who is expected to walk away victorious. The Slovenians are one of the top teams in the World Cup this year, and Venezuela doesn't have anyone to slow down the opposing star player.
One interesting to watch in this matchup is how Venezuela defends Luka Doncic. They don't have much size in terms of centers, but they have a lot of length. Seven players on their roster are between 6-foot-5 and 6-8.
With all this length, Venezuela can run small-ball lineups that can easily switch around the floor. This might aid them as they attempt to slow down the Dallas Mavericks All-Star.
Nonetheless, Slovenia is a clear favorite with one of the NBA's top stars leading the charge for them. Given that Venezuela is one of the lower ranked teams, this should be an easy opening matchup for them.
Players to watch
Looking at the rosters, there is one obvious player that everyone will have their eyes on. Luka Doncic regularly shines in international play, and is sure to be one of the top performers in the FIBA World Cup this year.
Following a minor scare in a tuneup game against Greece, Doncic has played like a superstar. The official games haven't even gotten underway and he's already putting together a stellar highlight reel.
Doncic will surely be looking to make a statement in their first matchup of this World Cup.
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