Group H Preview: Excitement and anticipation awaits in 'Group of Death'

JAKARTA (Indonesia) - Group H of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 should have plenty of intrigue as it's been labeled as the 'Group of Death' and includes a favorite in France, a team with plenty of potential in Canada, a first-time qualifier in Latvia and a team looking to continue building on momentum in Lebanon.

The Favorite: France

France have reached the podium at the last two World Cups in 2014 and 2019 with back-to-back third places finishes, won silver at the Tokyo Olympics and were runners-up at FIBA EuroBasket 2022.

The talent, experience on the big stage, familiarity and overall basketball IQ of their key players like Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum and Nando de Colo are reasons why France will be viewed as a title contender, even in a tough group.

France's defense will be one of their main strengths, thanks to having three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert protecting the basket. Les Bleus are tall, athletic and the guards can apply plenty of on-ball pressure that will surely keep any opponent uncomfortable and on their toes.

This said, Canada has been very impressive in their friendly games, beating both Germany and Spain on the road. The real thing is always a different story but this team looks strong.

The Underdog: Lebanon

Lebanon are making their fourth appearance at a World Cup and first since 2010, and are riding momentum from a second place finish at the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 and a record of 7-3 in the Asian Qualifiers.

Lebanon will rely heavily once again on Wael 'MVP' Arakji

Along with star guard Wael Arakji, Lebanon should get a boost from former NBA player Omari Spellman. The Cedars got a tough group draw against France, Canada and Latvia and will face an uphill battle in order to advance from the First Round, but with their team chemistry and ability to play as a cohesive unit, no team should view Lebanon as a pushover.

They beat France at the 2006 edition of the event. Why not again in a few days?

The Pivotal Game: Canada v France

Nothing like starting with a bang right out of the gate, as these two teams will meet on August 25, the opening day of the World Cup. Both France and Canada have high expectations and are viewed as being potential podium contenders, so they will get a sense of the competition level and be able to see where they're at right from the start.

It happened at the Tokyo Olympics already when France and USA played each other in their first game. Of course, they met again in the Final, USA getting their revenge and the gold medal.

France are the favorites in Group H, so if they come through with a win in the opener, they have a good chance to finish 3-0 in the group, while Canada would likely have to then defeat both Latvia and Lebanon if they want to advance to the Second Round. Meanwhile, if Canada win this game, that could make things a whole lot more interesting and lead to the group being blown wide open.

The Open Question: Can Latvia shoot their way into the Second Round?

Davis Bertans will be a key for Latvia on offense

Teams will probably need two wins to get to the Second Round. Latvia dominated the European Qualifiers with their three-point shooting (134 threes made on 37.5 percent, both second-best among all teams in the competition).

Kristaps Porzingis will not be the anchor in the paint, so this left the squad with one less offensive option. Movement, taking care of the ball, patience and accuracy will be key.

The Poll

 

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Don't forget to check the Team Profiles for France, Canada, Latvia and Lebanon.

FIBA