Canada vs France: Analysis and Prediction – These two national teams will play against each other in the FIBA World Cup first round.
Canada vs France Odds
Canada vs France (1/2): 2.10 / 1.74
Asian Handicap (+1.5 / -1.5): 1.96 / 1.84
Total Over/Under (167.5): 1.91 / 1.88
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
Canada Team News
Canada played five games in the preparatory period. They won on three occasions, while experiencing two defeats. In the last test, the Dominican Republic outplayed them by 94:88. That clash showed a lot of weaknesses that this national team still possesses.
Everyone in Canada was hoping that Jamal Murray could play at the World Cup. Unfortunately for them, the Denver Nuggets superstar had to withdrew due to injury. A few more players are missing, but even so, Canada is coming with probably the best team ever. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the leader of this group, and an important role will be played by R.J. Barrett, Kelly Olynyk, Dillon Brooks and Luguentz Dort. The players from the bench do not possess such quality and there will certainly be a drop in the game when the starters rest.
This game against France has a huge significance. All results from the first stage are carried over to the next round of the competition. This means that a possible loss would drastically reduce Canada’s chances of playing in the quarterfinals, even if they make it to the second round.
France Team News
France have played a large number of friendly games in the past three weeks. They had a streak of six wins until Australia beat them (78:74) a few days ago. Two triumphs against Lithuania were particularly important for self-confidence.
Although Victor Wembanyama will not play for France at the World Cup, their roster is certainly in the top three at the tournament. Veterans Nicolas Batum and Nando De Colo bring vast experience, as does Evan Fournier. Rudy Gobert has been one of the best defenders in the NBA for years, while now he will have the help of Mathias Lessort, who was the best center in the EuroLeague. Guerschon Yabusele, Elie Okobo and Moustapha Fall have prominent roles at their clubs as well. When head coach Vincent Collet is added to all that, it is clear with what kind of ambitions they are coming to Asia with.
Everything we wrote about Canada also applies to France. A defeat in the first round would mean that in the next stage of the competition they have to defeat Spain in order to reach the quarter-finals, and that is not an easy task at all. On the other hand, the triumph here opens the door to “top 8” and the focus will be maximum from the start.
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Canada vs France H2H
The last and only official game in the last 10 years, Canada and France played in the 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers. Then, France won by 83:74.
Absences and Injuries
In addition to Jamal Murray, Andrew Wiggins also will not play for Canada at this tournament. Apart from Victor Wembanyama, all are available for France in Asia.
Canada vs France Prediction
Four years ago at the World Cup, France shocked the United States in the quarterfinals. Against Canada, the experience of playing under FIBA rules will be on their side. Although players like Gilgeous-Alexander, Barrett and Olynyk had experience with it in their younger days, just a couple of weeks of friendlies is not enough to fully adapt. Also, this French team has a system and has been playing together for a long time. They want to finally win the world gold medal and a triumph in the first round would be a clear message for everyone else.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 25.08.2023, 15:30 CET
Prediction: France to win
Odds: 1.74
Sportsbook: 22Bet
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