USA vs New Zealand: Analysis and Prediction – USA and New Zealand will play against each other in the FIBA World Cup first round.
USA vs New Zealand Odds
USA vs New Zealand (1/2): 1.01 / 20.00
Asian Handicap (-35.5 / +35.5): 1.89 / 1.89
Total Over/Under (186.5): 1.87 / 1.89
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
USA Team News
The United States come to Mundobasket with a perfect record in preparation period. They played five games and won every time. Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain, Greece and Germany were beaten. In that last match, they made up 16 points against Germany and showed a recognizable character.
The All Star trio, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton and Jaren Jackson Junior, showed the most during the preparations. The locker room is held by Bobby Portis as the most experienced player of this team. The championship gene that Steve Kerr brings from the bench and several players “hungry” to prove themselves, led by Austin Reaves, makes it clear that this team has only one goal. That is to improve the impression from the previous FIBA World Cup where they finished in seventh place, which is the weakest result in the history of the national team.
No matter how much the media tries to underestimate this team, it is clear that the “young blood” has something to show. Regardless to the name of the rival, already in the first round the USA wants to show their full strenght. What is important is the fact that the Olympic Games are next year. There will be “crem de la crem” of the NBA players. This individuals right here will not have a better opportunity to prove themselves to coach Kerr. Every player of this team want to be part of the Olympic Games.
New Zealand Team News
New Zealand played six preparatory games before the FIBA World Cup in basketball. They only won twice, over Japan and Shenzhen. They lost their second game to Japan, as well against China, Italy and Canada.
When brothers Tai and Corey Webster withdrew from the FIBA World Cup for personal reasons, New Zealand found themselves in trouble. Finn Delany and member of Berlin Alba, Yani Wetzell is the duo that is expected the most in this national team. Teuren De Rangi also has a special role in this composition. Starting point guard is Flynn Cameron, the son of the legendary Pero Cameron, who is the head coach of this team.
The group in which New Zealand is, apart from them and the USA, includes Jordan and a weakened Greece. It is certain that there will be no shortage of motivation against the best in the world, but a big question mark arises as to how New Zealand can respond to the burst artillery from the rivals on the other side. This is certainly not a game in which they have much hope.
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USA vs New Zealand H2H
USA and New Zealand have met twice in their history. The team of the United States of America won both times.
Absences and Injuries
A few months ago, the USA announced the list of 12 players for the FIBA World Cup. Everyone is available and no one was injuried. New Zealand were denied the services of the Webster brothers, Corey and Tai. They will miss Mundobasket reportedly due to personal reasons. Steven Adams is not here either.
USA vs New Zealand – Prediction
One thing is certain, before the start of this match we will watch the famous “Haka”. What is even more certain than that is the favorite status that the USA has. World bookmakers have not even set odds for the eventual winner of this match. The greatest strength of America is reflected in the fact that every player have a desire to prove themselves on the world main stage. Because of all this, we think that New Zealand will definitely not score more than 76 points against the rival.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 26.08.2023, 14:40 CET
Prediction: New Zealand under 76.5 points
Odds: 1.75
Sportsbook: 22Bet
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