2019 FIBA World Cup: Power Rankings and Comparative Odds

The 2019 FIBA World Cup has continually updated their power rankings as the tournament draws nearer. With less than ten days left to go, there have been some major movements since squads were finalized. Late pull-outs have affected a number of squads.

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#FIBAWC Power Rankings, Volume 2 ?. Thoughts? ? . #WorldGotGame

A post shared by FIBA Basketball World Cup (@fibawc) on Aug 21, 2019 at 8:30am PDT

Biggest Movements

Russia (+10) (#18 to #8)

Joel Bolomboy with the ? dunk! ?? Tonight’s @AFCU Instant Rewind ? https://t.co/93xHuE1M8P

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 11, 2016

Jumping up a remarkable ten slots in the power ranking table, Russia looks to make a massive impression at the FIBA World Cup. There was a significant concern for the Russian side, as they would be missing two of their key pieces in Timofey Mozgov and Alexey Shved. Instead, the Russian side will stick to their guns, rolling out an experienced unit to challenge their upstart opponents. Russia will lean into their paint play in hopes of defeating their opponents.

The 2017 Euro-Basket semi-finalists may have lost to Lithuania recently, but they drubbed Finland 81-67. Sergey Karasev and Nikita Kurbanov starred with 18 and 15 respectively. Unfortunately, Russia does not expect to have naturalized center Joel Bolomboy on hand in China.

Lithuania (+3) (#9 to #6)

Domantas Sabonis highlights 11 Pts, 1 Blk & 1 Ast vs Serbia#Lithuania #Lietuva #basketball ?? pic.twitter.com/SmwNtmU8B3

— SPG Highlights (@SPGhighlights) August 13, 2019

Lithuania looked to be crawling into the tournament, but as of late they seemed to have found their rhythm. Domantas Sabonis was brilliant in his last match against Serbia, while Jonas Valanciunas expects to be the second star in Lithuania’s front court pairing.

Finland were dominated by Lithuania 87-46 in their last match, while they also defeated Russia 88-72 without Jonas Valanciunas. Not only were Lithuania impressive, but they showed an organized offensive and defensive scheme that contrasted their earlier 1-3 run in previous exhibition games. Lithuania is ready to pounce.

Surprises

Serbia (+1) (#2 to (#1)

Greece ?? ? Serbia ??
? Bogdan Bogdanovic at the buzzer & under the pressure of Giannoulis Larentzakis#GRESRB #acropolistournament #HellasGotGame #HellasBasketball #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/4xxkOM48pA

— Stefanos Marolachakis (@marolas30) August 18, 2019

It is a unique time in basketball when the top team in the power rankings is not the USA. However, Serbia is a dangerous side with some serious star-power pushing them forward. Bogdan Bogdanovic has shown his quality on the world stage, while Nikola Jokic continues to be a unique problem.

Serbia pulled off one of their most impressive victories recently when they took down Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA MVP. More impressively, they were able to do so without the services of Nikola Jokic and Milos Teodosic.

USA (-1) (#1 to #2)

It’s game day Australia! ?Ahead of tonight’s big #BoomersUSA match in Melbourne, we sat down with @celtics star @KembaWalker and asked him about his time in Australia so far, and what it means to play for Team USA! ????#USwithAUS @usabasketball#USwithAUS #USAGotGame pic.twitter.com/0QnWZBxHbd

— US Embassy Canberra (@USAembassyinOZ) August 22, 2019

The reigning FIBA World Cup Champions fell one spot due to the performance of their rivals. Not their lack of overall performance. Despite that, Team USA is still the side to beat the FIBA World Cup in China. While this might be the weakest side they’ve ever fielded in this tournament, USA still sports high-class talent compared to their opposition.

Historically, Team USA hasn’t fared well when competing in Asia. They finished fifth in 1978 Philippines and third in 2006 Japan. Maybe it is the food, or possibly the climate, but Team USA will want to overcome that spot on their record.

Power Rankings vs Odds

2019 FIBA World Cup Odds and Predictions

If you are in New Jersey you can bet on the FIBA World Cup with 888Sport and BetStars NJ. Find the latest odds below. Good luck!

* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER

For more odds on the 2019 FIBA World Cup, head to 888Sport or BetStars NJ.