USA vs Canada Analysis and Prediction – USA and Canada will play in the match for third place at FIBA World Cup.
USA vs Canada Odds
USA vs Canada (1/2): 1.33 / 3.34
Asian Handicap (-6.5 / +6.5): 1.85 / 1.95
Total Over/Under (189.5): 1.89 / 1.91
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
USA Team News
The team led by Steve Kerr has once again revealed all of its weaknesses. Just like in the games against Montenegro and Lithuania, they once again struggled against the opponent’s frontcourt.
The USA scored 111 points and still lost to Germany. If someone had mentioned that before the start of the game, it would have been hard to believe. NBA stars were defeated in their own game, in a duel that had the recognizable rhythm of the highest-quality league in the world. However, in such a situation, it was also necessary to play defense. Apart from defensive lapses, Kerr’s team once again lost the battle on the boards. It seems that the lack of size was the biggest issue for the Americans in this tournament, which is atypical for them. Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards once again emerged as leaders, combining for 44 points. This duo, along with Mikal Bridges, will pose the biggest threat to the opponent’s basket in the battle for the bronze medal.
The USA didn’t come to the tournament to win the third place, but at the same time, in the semifinals, they didn’t show enough determination to reach the next stage. Once again, a poor start like against Lithuania, and once again, they paid the price. The next opponent of Kerr’s team won’t forgive such an approach either, so the USA will have to raise their level of focus and aggression.
Canada Team News
Canada was facing elimination in the second phase as well, but they managed to survive. In the quarterfinals, they were able to defeat the Slovenia, but they were completely powerless in the duel against Serbia. They were trailing for almost the entire match and lost deservedly.
Serbia exposed all the shortcomings of this team’s best player. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was practically completely stopped, thanks to the outstanding defense played by the Serbian team, both individually and collectively. Shai was the leading candidate for MVP of the FIBA World Cup before this match, however, after such a performance, we will see if that remains the case. In the absence of their primary offensive option, Canada had to rely on other players. When RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks attempt a combined 16 three-pointers, that’s not a good sign. Canada’s centers were completely outplayed from the Serbian centers, they couldn’t spread the floor, and they were very weak in defending against Nikola Milutinov.
Serbia exposed a significant number of flaws in Canada game and showed other teams how to exploit them. These two teams are very familiar with each other, as most of Canada players compete in the NBA. This generation of Canadian players has the opportunity to leave a golden mark in the history of Canadian basketball, and we believe they will be motivated to celebrate.
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USA vs Canada H2H
These two teams have played three matches, and the more successful team is the USA, who have emerged win in two out of those three matches.
Absences and Injuries
The USA team is competing with the roster that was determined a few months ago. On the other hand, Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins are not representing the Canada on this FIBA World Cup.
USA vs Canada Prediction
This will be a matchup between two teams with distinct playing styles, emphasizing a lot of transition and fast-paced attacks. The vast majority of the players on both teams compete in the NBA, where this style of play is emphasized. The advantage for the USA team lies in their deeper bench, as they can utilize almost all of their players, whereas Canada has a more limited rotation. Canada are restricted to seven or possibly eight players.
Due to their deeper bench and overall higher quality, we believe in a USA win with at least a six point lead.
Tip-off Time: Sunday 08.09.2023, 10:30 CET
Prediction: USA -5.5
Odds: 1.72
Sportsbook: 22Bet