Best games to watch during Americas Window 5

MIAMI (United States) – Window 5 of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers is a little over a week away and some of the most important games are around the corner.

The fight for the seven spots to Philippines, Japan and Indonesia 2023 is extremely even and no one is ready to throw the towel in this final stretch. The majority of games in this instance is of the utmost importance, but these are the ones that you won’t want to miss for any reason:

Dominican Republic vs Argentina

November 10 - 20:00 (GMT -4)
Palacio de los Deportes, Santo Domingo (DOM)

This is a crucial matchup because these teams are separated by a single game. Argentina (6-2) currently sits in third place in Group E, while the Dominican Republic (5-3) is fourth. However, the main attraction comes from the debut for the Dominican squad of head coach Nestor García, who helmed the Argentinian team until the last window before being dismissed.

García already led the Caribbean nation to the 2019 World Cup and will now try to repeat the feat. It should also be a very special matchup on a personal level against his former team and country of origin. This will also mark the debut in the Qualifiers for Pablo Prigioni, who already led the South Americans to the title at the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup.

Canada vs Venezuela

November 10 - 19:10 (GMT -7)
Expo Centre, Edmonton (CAN)

This is a rivalry that has been growing in the continent in recent years after that heralded win by the Venezuelans at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship, leaving the Canadians out of the 2016 Olympic Games. They also faced each other during the 2019 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers, with each winning in front of their home crowds.

Currently, what’s at stake is the first place in Group E, where the North Americans, undefeated after eight games, are in the pole position with Venezuela (7-1) right behind them. For this game, Canada will have mainly players from their local league while it’s expected that Venezuela will bring their usual veteran squad.

United States vs Brazil

November 11 - 16:00 (GMT -5)
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington (USA)

These two giants of the region will face each other while going through very different circumstances. The Americans (7-1) lead Group F and have won six in a row while Brazil (5-3), coming off three consecutive defeats, is still in second place but sharing the position with Mexico and Uruguay.

If Brazil can break their negative streak against the group leaders and on the road, they will surely gain momentum. However, if they were to suffer another loss, the pressure on them will only grow. It won’t be an easy task for Gustavo Conti’s squad, but their second place at this past summer’s AmeriCup was a good sign that they’ll be ready for the challenge.

Puerto Rico vs Uruguay

 

November 14 - 20:10 (GMT -4)
Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan (PUR)

Every game between boricuas and charrúas seems to be close and exciting, and there is no reason to believe this one will be any different. This will be the second game between them: Uruguay won the first one (78-70) but will now head to San Juan for the rubber match.

Puerto Rico, currently with a 4-4 record, is in fifth place in Group F and out of the qualifying zone, but a win would allow them to catch Uruguay (5-3) and put them back in contention. Nelson Colon’s guys will need to be ruthless at home and, besides notching the win, they’ll need to run up the score to surpass Uruguay in the point differential and beat them in the head-to-head matchup.

Mexico vs Brazil

 

November 14 - 20:30 (GMT -7)
Gimnasio Auditorio Universitario, Chihuahua (MEX)

We already explained why Brazil is in a delicate situation heading into November, and this game against Mexico will allow them the chance to take revenge, as they are obligated to return the favor after Omar Quintero’s squad beat them in Brazil during the last window.

Mexico won that August game in August at Jaraguá do Sul by 10 points (82-72), a lead sustainable enough to win the head-to-head matchup in case of a loss. However, they won’t be able to relax because Brazil is hurt and very dangerous on a good day. The winner of this matchup will take a big step toward their objective.

FIBA