Group C Preview: Permutations Galore

JAKARTA (Indonesia) & ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - There are permutations galore for Group C's top three teams as they close first round action in Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

July 4, 2022

Indonesia vs Jordan
19:30 (GMT +7)
Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia

Lebanon vs Saudi Arabia
21:00 (GMT +3)
Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon

Win Predictions: Jordan, Lebanon

Indonesia looked good in their tight loss to Saudi Arabia a couple of days ago, but they will likely be overmatched against a Jordanian squad looking to bounce back after losing to Lebanon. Speaking of Lebanon, they are riding high on a two-game win streak and should notch their fifth win at visiting Saudi Arabia's expense.

If both Jordan and Lebanon do win, the Cedars would end up in first place followed by Jordan in second and Saudi Arabia in third. Indonesia are already not advancing to the next round no matter what happens.

Here's what's interesting, though -- if Jordan does win over Indonesia and Saudi Arabia upset Lebanon, there would be a three-way tie for first place in Group C. The rankings would then be decided by the score difference among Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

Projected Top Scorer and Rebounder: Ahmad Al Dwairi (JOR)

There is nobody on Indonesia's roster who can stop Ahmad Al Dwairi. Even if Marques Bolden plays, he won't be at 100 percent, which will spell trouble for the home side. Al Dwairi is coming off a 16-point, 9-rebound effort against Lebanon, and he should lord it over an undersized and less deep Indonesian frontcourt. Look for the 29-year-old to record his first double-double of the Qualifiers.

Projected Top Playmaker: Sergio El Darwich (LBN)

Sergio El Darwich is known for being an athletic and explosive scorer, but in Lebanon's previous game he had a team-high 6 assists. With Wael Arakji focusing more on scoring, the onus has been on El Darwich to be the team's primary playmaker, and he has not disappointed. Look for him to continue dishing the dimes against Saudi Arabia.

Projected Top Shooter: Abraham Grahita (INA)

Indonesia should continue to play well at home, and the returning Abraham Grahita should be one of their hottest weapons from the perimeter. He is Timnas Basket's current leading scorer, and he is also their top three-point threat. He averages 2.0 triples per game, shooting 32.0% from beyond the arc.

Key Matchup: Mathna Almarwani (KSA) vs Wael Arakji (LBN)

Both Mathna Almarwani and Wael Arakji are among their respective teams' top scorers, and their offensive duel should be very exciting to watch in Zouk Mikael. Almarwani had 18 points the last time Saudi Arabia played Lebanon, while Arakji scored 15 points. Look for both perimeter players to continue their high-scoring ways as they joust for the top spot in Group C.

Player to Watch: Musab Kadi (KSA)

Musab Kadi had a breakout game against Indonesia, scoring 16 points while adding 5 blocks and 2 triples. It remains to be seen if that was just a flash in the pan or we are seeing the growth of a new bright young star for the Saudis.

FIBA