Eight must-watch games for the February window of the European Qualifiers

MUNICH (Germany) - The final window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers promises plenty of drama including the final three tickets for this summer to be earned as well as all four groups featuring matchups of the top two teams.

Here is a breakdown of the eight must-watch games for the games from February 23-27.

You can subscribe to watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers on Courtside 1891, while you also can find out more about any geo-restrictions here.

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Montenegro

 
Time: Thursday, February 23 - 20:00 CET
Venue: Mejdan, Tuzla

Bosnia and Herzegovina (5-5), Hungary (5-5) or Montenegro (6-4) will grab the third spot in Group K with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary both hoping to secure their first ever ticket to the World Cup. Montenegro debuted on the global stage in 2019 and can secure their spot in Indonesia, Japan and Philippines with a victory while neither of the others can qualify on February 23 with a victory.

Greece v Serbia

 
Time: Friday, February 24 - 18:00 CET
Venue: Ano Liosa Olympic Hall, Athens

Serbia (5-3) will qualify from Group I if they can beat already-qualified Greece (5-3) or if Belgium (3-5) lost at Great Britain later in the day. The Serbs have reached at least the Quarter-Finals in the last three editions of the World Cup. The first matchup between these teams in Belgrade last summer was an absolute classic game with outstanding performances from both Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Georgia v Iceland

 
Time: Sunday, February 26 - 17:00 CET
Venue: Tbilisi Arena, Tbilisi

There is a three-nation race for the third spot in Group L as well among Georgia (4-4), Iceland (4-4) and Ukraine (3-5). Georgia and Iceland are shooting for their first appearance in the World Cup while Ukraine played in Spain 2014. The Georgia v Iceland showdown in Tbilisi will likely decide who reaches the World Cup, Georgia having won at Iceland 88-85. Georgia play at Netherlands on February 23, Iceland host Spain and Ukraine play at Italy. Ukraine is the only country who can be eliminated with a loss in the first game.

France v Lithuania

 
Time: Sunday, February 26 - 18:00 CET
Venue: Arena Loire, Trelaze

First place in Group K will likely be up for grabs when the two top teams face off in Trelaze. Both teams enter the window with 8-2 records while France play at Czech Republic in the first game in the window and Lithuania host Hungary. France won the first encounter with Lithuania 90-65, which will go down in history as Victor Wembanyama's debut with the French national team.

Spain v Italy

 
Time: Sunday February 26 - 18:00 CET
Venue: Arena of Caceres CB, Caceres

The reigning world champions Spain and Italy could likely be battling for first place in Group L as Spain enter the window with a 7-1 record ahead of their first game at Iceland and Italy have a 6-2 record before hosting Ukraine. Spain fended off Italy 88-84 in overtime in Italy in the last window.

Hungary v Bosnia and Herzegovina

 
Time: Sunday, February 26 - 19:00 CET
Venue: Savaria Arena, Szombathely

See the Bosnia and Herzegovina v Montenegro set-up for this game. If Montenegro win that game then this showdown between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary would have no urgency. But if Bosnia and Herzegovina can grab the win on Thursday February 23 then this game will be very important.

Finland v Germany

 
Time: Monday, February 27 - 17:30 CET
Venue: Espoo Metro Arena, Espoo

First place in Group J will be up for grabs as Finland host Germany, both teams going into the window with 8-2 records and already secured spots in this summer's tournament. Finland will first play at Israel and Germany will welcome Sweden. Germany won the other matchup with Finland 94-80 in November 2022 to book their ticket to Indonesia, Japan and Philippines.

Latvia v Greece

 
Time: Monday, February 27 - 18:30 CET
Venue: Arena Riga, Riga

Supremacy in Group I could already have been locked up as Latvia have a 7-1 record going into the window and Greece are 5-3 - with both teams already in the World Cup. Latvia have a nine-game winning streak as they travel to Turkey for the first game. Greece welcome Serbia. Latvia blasted Greece 80-60 in November and it wouldn't be a surprise if a massive crowd shows up to the Arena Riga to wish the team luck before the World Cup this summer.

FIBA