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We're back with another prediction and pick for the Second Round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. 16 teams have advanced past the first group stage and will now play to secure ranking in the FIBA Bracket. This next game features Brazil (2-1) taking on Canada (3-0) in a very competitive matchup. Check out our FIBA World Cup odds series for our Brazil-Canada prediction and pick.
Brazil advances to the Second Round after a solid 89-77 win over Ivory Coast in their last game. While they came in as much bigger favorites on the betting lines, they were able to stave off late runs and secure their position in this stage. With wins and losses carrying over, they'll need a crucial win over one of the big team in their new group.
Canada comes into this game still perfect at 3-0 following their most recent destruction of Latvia. Canada has faced a number a very good teams this tournament, but they make their opponents look second-tier each time out. Behind the United States, Canada is the next favorite to lift the cup and they'll hope to make a statement to open the Second Round of play.
Here are the 2023 FIBA World Cup odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
2023 FIBA World Cup Odds: Brazil-Canada Odds
Brazil: +19.5 (-113)
Canada: -19.5 (-113)
Over: 180.5 (-111)
Under: 180.5 (-115)
How to Watch Brazil vs. Canada
Stream: ESPN+, Courtside 1891
Time: 9:30 a.m. ET/ 6:30 a.m. PT
*Watch FIBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*
Why Brazil Will Cover The Spread
Ranked as the 13th best team in FIBA, Brazil is happy that they locked up their spot and have a chance to improve on their showing from 2019. They didn't find themselves in the toughest position having to contend with Iran and Ivory Coast for the second spot out of their group, so it's going to be interesting to see how Brazil fares against a higher level of competition. They'll arguably see their toughest opponent in this game, so it'll be crucial for them to stick to the fundamentals and hope they have their best game yet.
As a team, Brazil saw a very balanced scoring attack in their last win over Ivory Coast. We've seen teams struggle from the line this tournament, but Brazil has remained consistent and shot 88% in their last game. They only managed 7-23 from three and haven't been the best team beyond the arc. If they find themselves down early, they may need to start letting it fly in hopes of catching up to Canada. It'll take a perfect game from Brazil to win, but 20 points should see like a manageable margin to cover.
Why Canada Will Cover The Spread
Canada has been silencing good teams throughout this whole tournament and recently made solid opponents in France and Latvia look like easy work. RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both had their ways with the defense as they masterfully carved to the rim for easy buckets. Barrett and Alexander-Walker both added four threes and Canada didn't see much of a sweat against a Latvia team that saw success of their own early in the tournament. Look for Canada to continue making good teams look bad as they try to win this tournament.
Canada will be the much more athletic team here and their skill from the mid-range should be the difference in them picking up this win. They're much better shooting from three than Brazil is and if they can get them on their heels in transition, we could see another blowout from the Canadian side. Kelly Olynyk continues to be a great facilitator for them, so look for him to draw the defense inside as he kicks the ball out to their willing shooters.
Final Brazil-Canada Prediction & Pick
Brazil has played a good tournament thus far, but they're running into a brick wall here in Canada. Canada is much too skillful position-by-position and their willingness to play all three levels of the half-court offense will prove to be too much for Brazil. Canada has been undervalued in the spreads all tournament, so let's take them to cover as they continue their dominant path.
Final Brazil-Canada Prediction & Pick: Canada -19.5 (-113)
