Australia and Japan face off on Tuesday morning in a FIBA World Cup basketball showdown in Okinawa Japan. This is a must win game for both teams as they try to advance in the FIBA World Cup.
Australia Betting Preview
Australia comes into this game with a 1-1 record and they will need to win this game if they want to advance. In the first game of the FIBA World Cup against Finland, Australia was able to secure a 98-72 victory. In the last game against Germany though, the defense wasn’t good enough and they ended up losing 85-82. Australia went into the 4th with the lead, but they were outscored 23-16 and that led to the loss. Australia was led by Patty Mills who finished with 21 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Josh Giddey also finished with 17 points, three assists, and one rebound.
Japan Betting Preview
Japan opened up the World Cup with a game against Germany and they really struggled losing 81-63. In the last game against Finland, Japan was able to secure a 98-88 victory. Japan looked like they were going to be falling to 0-2 until they outscored Finland 35-15 in the 4th quarter and that led to the 10 point victory. Josh Hawkinson was the top player for Japan finishing with 28 points and 19 rebounds. Yuki Kawamura also had a strong game finishing with 25 points, nine assists, and one rebound. Even though they won the last game the defense wasn’t good enough, and they need the defense to step up in a big way.
Shane’s Free Pick
If it wasn’t for a big comeback in the last game, Japan would have lost to Finland. Australia is going to know that Japan can do that, and they aren’t going to take their foot off the gas here. In this game, Australia is going to get out to a fast start, and they aren’t going to take their foot off the gas. Japan is going to have no answer for the Australian offense and that will be the difference as Australia is going to get the job done here. Back Australia against the spread to cash.