While international NBA stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic (both former MVPs and title winners) won't participate in the tournament, the 2023 FIBA World Cup brings other players and countries together for top-tier basketball matchups.
The World Cup kicked off August 25 and will run until September 10. For the first time ever, the tournament will be held in multiple countries: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
As we move through the tournament's playoff format, the U.S.A. (-180) is favored in the FIBA World Cup odds, followed by Canada (+325) and Serbia (+650).
2023 FIBA World Cup Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| U.S.A. | -180 |
| Canada | +325 |
| Serbia | +650 |
| Germany | +900 |
Our odds calculator awards the U.S.A. (-180) an implied 64.29 percent chance of winning. A $100 bet on the Americans would pay out $155.56.
FIBA World Cup Odds: Why Is The U.S.A. Favored?
The United States' chalk status isn't surprising. While the Americans haven't won since 2014, the roster features plenty of up-and-coming talent, including Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Paolo Banchero, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
As feisty as the younger American squad is, basketball purists often claim that international ball carries a different intensity, so perhaps there's room for the field to beat the U.S.
That hasn't been the case so far, though, and with an easy matchup vs Germany in the semis, the Americans look destined for the World Cup Finals.
FIBA World Cup best Bet: Canada (+325)
I initially backed France as the best bet to win the tournament. Excuse my foolishness. But, after a hard reset, why not bet Canada, the team that knocked France out of the World Cup?
At +325, the value is sweet. And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Canucks' best player, might be the hottest player in the tournament right now.
Canada's roster features a lot of NBA talent, and the team is playing its best international ball ever. Canada knocked off Spain in a rampant come-from-behind contest before dusting Slovenia in the quarterfinals.
A semifinal matchup vs Serbia awaits. I very much like Canada's chances.
| Year | Location | First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | China | Spain | Argentina | France |
| 2014 | Spain | United States | Serbia | France |
| 2010 | Turkey | United States | Turkey | Lithuania |
| 2006 | Japan | Spain | Greece | United States |
| 2002 | United States | Yugoslavia | Argentina | Germany |
