Australia vs Japan: Analysis and Prediction – Australia and Japan will play game of third round on the FIBA World Cup 2023.
Australia vs Japan Odds
Australia vs Japan (1/2): 1.02 / 14.00
Asian Handicap (-18.5 / +18.5): 1.93 / 1.85
Total Over/Under (170.5): 1.90 / 1.88
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
Australia Team News
In the first round, Australia convincingly won against Finland (98:72). Then, in one of the best matches of the FIBA World Cup, they were defeated by Germany (85:82), even though they had a good chance to win but didn’t used it.
It’s clear that Patty Mills is the key player for this team. That fact he demonstrated in both previous games. Josh Giddey also makes a significant difference; however, his inexperience in major tournaments was showed during the game against Germany. Coach Brian Goorjian emphasized the need to improve their defensive rebound. He also pointed out that they experienced a few minutes of significant lapse in their performance against Germany, which ultimately cost them the game.
Australia is the clear favorite on paper against Japan, and they must win this match if they want to advance to the second round of the FIBA World Cup. A potential challenge for them could be the full arena of opposing fans. However, the vast difference in quality is their advantage. The unexpected loss against Germany might serve as a cautionary tale for any subsequent opponents, including Japan.
Japan Team News
In the opening round, Japan suffered a loss against Germany by 81:63. Even the most optimistic fans couldn’t have expected a different outcome. Japan knew that, in this group, their best shot would arguably be against Finland, and they seized that opportunity. They held the lead until midway through the second quarter before the game shifted in Finland’s favor. Lauri Markkanen and his team managed to secure an 18-point lead. However, Japan staged one of the biggest surprises at the FIBA World Cup, positioning themselves for a crucial game against Australia for a chance to advance to the next stage.
What Japan requires against Australia can be found in the “blueprint” they showcased against the outplayed Finland. They were in the good three-point shooting mood and naturalized American Josh Hawkinson certainly lived up to the highest expectations. The rest of the team made valuable contributions on both ends of the court, especially during the crucial moments. However, what Japan must avoid at all costs is finding themselves in a similar situation against Australia. For making a comeback from an 18-point deficit against them seems highly impossible.
Home court advantage, a full arena, newfound confidence, and an uplifting atmosphere following the comeback against Finland – this currently defines Japan. They face a direct knockout game against the much-favored Australia. Is Australia a formidable opponent? Undoubtedly. Could they have landed themselves in a more challenging situation? Indeed, they could. Having trailed behind Finland, they had almost bid farewell to the second stage of the FIBA World Cup. Yet, they made a turnaround. It’s up to them to give it their all. Whether that will suffice will be determined on the court.
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Australia vs Japan H2H
Australia and Japan have faced each other six times in their official history. The Australian team has lost only once.
Absences and Injuries
Ben Simmons, the most notable name from the Australian national team, did not participate in this FIBA World Cup. In addition to him, Jock Landale is also absent, having sustained an injury just 48 hours before travel in Japan. In the Japanese roster, Rui Hachimura, the most famous basketball player from that country is not here. Among the players who are participating, there are no injuries.
Australia vs Japan Prediction
All the aforementioned factors in the previous lines favor Japan. Australia suffered a defeat to a depleted Germany where, at one point, they had everything under control. Coming off such a wound, they now face Japan, who pulled through against Finland in a cinematic twist. What’s undeniably pivotal is the quality on Australia’s side. Given all these, we believe that the global bookmakers have significantly underrated Japan. Therefore, our prediction for this match is that Australia won’t win with a margin greater than 17.5 points.
Tip-off Time: Tuesday 28.08.2023, 13:10 CET
Prediction: Japan +19.5
Odds: 1.72
Sportsbook: 22Bet
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