Australia continue their 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign on Wednesday at 11pm (AEST) when they take on Czech Republic. Both countries have been good enough to make it through the first two group stages to set up this quarterfinal match. It should be fantastic viewing and a great moment for basketball in Australia.
We will be bringing you a brief preview and betting tips for all of the Australian games in the World Cup. Check out our prediction for Australia vs Czech Republic below and good luck to everyone following!
FIBA World Cup Betting Tips
Australia vs Czech Republic (Wednesday, 11pm AEST)
Australia managed to avoid USA in the quarterfinals thanks to their win over the French, and instead will take on the very capable Czech Republic. The winner of this match will progress through to the semi-finals where they will face either Spain or Poland.
Australia
The Boomers remain undefeated through five World Cup games, which is the first time they’ve achieved that feat in their history. They went into their most recent game against France at around 3.5-point underdogs but managed to come away with a gritty two-point win (100-98) to top Group H and advance through to the quarterfinals. Patty Mills was impressive yet again against the French with 30 points, as was Joe Ingles with his 23 points. However, the star of the show was big-man Aron Baynes who hit 5/6 from downtown and quelled the impact of star NBA centre Rudy Gobert. The Aussies are playing with great confidence at the moment and have a favourable draw that will see them avoid USA until the final, should they make it that far.
Here's how the World Cup bracket currently looks.
Czech Republic
The Czech’s have done a great job to make it through to the knockout phase in their first ever major international tournament. They managed to finish second to USA in their first group phase, before finishing second to them again in their second phase to progress through to the quarterfinals. It must be said that they’ve had a fairly easy run so far, and they’ve lost twice to teams we expected them to fall to in USA and Greece. Nonetheless, they’re into the last eight and will be looking to take it right to the Australians. The Czech’s don’t possess many household names, although they have one clear standout player in Tomas Satoransky. He’s a point guard who plies his trade for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and has had a remarkable tournament to date.
Prediction
Australia will start as 10-point favourites to progress through to the semi-final where they’ll face either Spain or Poland. The Aussies have done really well against quality opposition in Canada, France, and Lithuania, but have at times looked disinterested against lesser opposition in Senegal and Dominican Republic. That said, we expect them to realise the threat that a Satoransky-led team can pose and rise to the occasion with a dominant win.
Australia -10 Handicap
$1.90
