Czech Republic vs USA Prediction & Betting Tips - Monde | Coupe du Monde

Prediction published on 30/08/2019, 05:56  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 30/08/2019 at 07:08 in Basketball World Cup Prediction

The United States of America come into the 2019 FIBA World Basketball Cup as the defending champions and ranked number one. Despite all of that, new rules meant they still had to qualify in order to play in China. That wasn't as easy as you might think due to the fact the qualifiers clashed with the NBA schedule, so it was a weakened team put out by the Americans. They still managed to qualify though and have a stronger looking squad for these finals but not as strong as in previous tournaments. Exhibition games held in the past week or so have seen the Americans beat Spain and Canada and win one and lose one against Australia. Kemba Walker has shown good form in those games and will be a key player in this tournament.

The Czech Republic are ranked 24th in the world. Having previously competed at these championships as Czechoslovakia, this is their first World Cup finals. They finished seventh in the 2015 EuroBasket tournament but 20th two years later. Only one of their five games in that tournament was won. At least they know they will be in the 2021 event as the Czech Republic are the hosts. This should be a routine opener for the Americans but tougher games lie ahead for them. Go for the USA to win on a -28.5 handicap.