Canada vs Slovenia Basketball Preview: Predictions, odds and more for the FIBA World Cup 2023

Modified Sep 05, 2023 18:30 GMT

Canada vs Slovenia preview, predictions and odds at the 2023 FIBA World Cup (Photos: FIBA)

It's Day 2 of the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals, with Canada facing Slovenia in a must-see matchup. The winner advances to the semifinals and inches closer to the goal of lifting the trophy. On that note, let's take a look at the preview, prediction, odds and other details of this quarterfinal game.

Canada likely feels confident heading into the matchup after coming from behind to eliminate defending champions Spain 88-85 in the final game of the second round. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his hot streak with 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists while Dillon Brooks caught fire in the clutch to finish with 22 points.

On the other hand, Slovenia is coming off an embarrassing 100-71 loss to Germany in their last game of the second round. It initially looked like Luka Doncic and Slovenia were on their way to a blowout with a 25-11 first-quarter lead. However, it was all Germany for the rest of the game, as they outscored their opponents 89-46.

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2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinal game preview

Canada and Slovenia are facing off for just the second time in FIBA history. Their first meeting happened at the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens, Greece. Slovenia prevailed over Canada 86-70, but both nations eventually failed to make it to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

This year's matchup in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup could be much different. Slovenia has a superstar in Luka Doncic, while Canada also has their own in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Canadians have more NBA talent, but Slovenia is more used to the FIBA game, especially in a knockout situation.

It will be a battle of outside and inside the arc on Wednesday. Slovenia shoots 65.2% from 2-point shots in the tournament. Canada, meanwhile, lives by the 3-point shot at 40.3%.

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Canada vs Slovenia FIBA World Cup quarterfinals prediction and odds

Canada enters the quarterfinal matchup against Slovenia as the favorites to advance. They're more stacked with NBA players who know their roles.

Dillon Brooks has a tall task in defending Luka Doncic, but Slovenia might not have the personnel to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Canada will likely taake this one and face Serbia in the semifinal.

Moneyline: Canada (-380) and Slovenia (+300)

Over/Under: 176.5 (Slovenia O: -110, Canada U: -110)

Against The Spread: Canada -9 (-110), Slovenia +9 (-110)