FIBA Worlds: Games To Watch/Open Thread 8.9.10

For the full bracket, click here. For the full schedule and previous results, click here.

1. Serbia (Group B) vs. 3. Spain (Group D)

Time: 10:00 AM Central Standard Time

Network: NBATV

Analysis/Prediction: Serbia has the better track record, but no one will be surprised if this one seed goes down. Nenad Krstic is a soft center who likes to stretch the opposing team's defense by popping out for a quick shot, while Marc Gasol is a tough inside bruiser who likes to score. In my opinion, the latter works better, especially against European-style offenses. At other positions, Spain has mostly superior talent, with Navarro and Rubio trumping Lakovic, Fernandez trumping Rasic, and Jorge Garbajosa trumping Kosta Perovic. While I'll be cheering on Serbia in this game, I think Spain will win by about 10.

1. Turkey (Group C) vs. 2. Slovenia (Group B)

Time: 1:00 PM Central Standard Time

Network: NBATV

Analysis/Prediction: Turkey has looked sky high in the tournament so far, but Slovenia may be the team to bring them down. They have excellent inside defense, and if they are able to control the pace, I think they'll have a chance. Unfortunately, Turkey just has too many scorers to contend with, something that wasn't a problem in all prior victories save Brazil, who has it's main scorers on the inside. So I think Turkey will win here by about 7. It won't go down to the wire, but it will be close at time.

If you're watching the games, feel free to post your reaction to them in the comments section here!