FIBA Worlds: Games To Watch/Open Thread 31.8.10

Hey! Check out a rewind of Yesterday's Action below!

Feel free to post your thoughts about the games in the comments section.

All of the Thunder players and their respective teams will be out of action today, so here's a quick look at what's on TV and some other games to watch.

Note: This is a general guide to the games of today, and shouldn't necessarily be taken as a command to watch every single game on the list. Rather, think of it as a friendly introduction to international basketball, allowing you to more easily select a game to watch that suits your viewing style from the best games available. Also, the previews below are just meant to be short blurbs of why you should watch the game. Don't take it as in-depth analysis. For that, go to my previews of the respective groups.

What's on TV?

France vs. Canada

Time: 10:30 AM Central Standard Time

Network: NBATV

Analysis/Prediction: A clash between the team that upset Spain and Canada, who has so far been a huge disappointment, losing to both Lithuania and Lebanon. If Canada wants to advance, this game is a must win, as they'll be able to beat New Zealand on Thursday, but will have huge trouble against Spain on Friday. France will attempt to get to 3-0 and secure the #1 spot for Group A. I'd expect a 10-15 Point win for France though, as Canada is massively under-talented, having only a couple NBA players (Joel Anthony, Andy Rautins) and one former NBA player (Denham Brown), with the rest of the team being a mix of Euroleague role players. France, meanwhile, has the tools and talent to beat anybody.

Spain vs. Lithuania

Time: 1:00 PM Central Standard Time

Network: NBATV

Analysis/Prediction: Lithuania is a force to be reckoned with, and they could no doubt cause some problems for Spain here, as they still have the potential to win the group. Expect Lithuania to keep the ball mostly on the perimeter offensively, while Spain will look to utilize the paint. As Lithuanian Centers aren't exactly known for their defensive acumen, I'll give the slight edge to Spain.

Below: Other Games!

Other Games to Watch:

4. Russia vs. Cote d'Ivoire

Time: 8:00 AM Central Standard Time

Network: ESPN 3 Only

Analysis/Prediction: This is just a blowout in the making. Russia will secure their advancement here by a mile.

3. New Zealand vs. Lebanon

Time: 8:00 AM Central Standard Time

Network: ESPN 3 Only

Analysis/Prediction: Lebanon would advance with a win, while New Zealand is fighting for just a sliver of hope towards advancement. New Zealand is pretty much crap though, so I see Lebanon winning this one by about 10.

2. Puerto Rico vs. China

Time: 10:30 AM Central Standard Time

Network: ESPN 3 Only

Analysis/Prediction: Two very good teams are against the wall here as both will most likely need this win in order to advance. Puerto Rico is a surprising 0-2 after two close losses to Turkey and Greece, and their offensive style that centers around a quick point guard will contrast nicely with China, who prefers to rotate it around the perimeter. China has defeated the Ivory Coast, but lost to Russia.

1. Turkey vs. Greece

Time: 1:00 PM Central Standard Time

Network: ESPN 3 Only

Analysis/Prediction: Why this one isn't on TV, I don't know. Here, you'll see a classic rivalry between two very talented clubs, both of which could win gold this year. They're both undefeated, and the winner of this match will most likely take the group. Both teams are stacked at all positions (Greece especially so after getting back their two big men from suspension), so this one will probably come down to the wire, and will probably be the most exciting game of the day. I'll take Greece by a hair though, judging on how well they've played without their big men.

Did you watch the games? What did you think? Vote in the Poll, Post a Comment!