We are back with another prediction as we move on to the second round of group play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. It's time for some Group L action as Latvia takes on Spain for their first assignment of round two. Check out our FIBA World Cup odds series for our Latvia-Spain prediction and pick.

Latvia went 2-1 during the first round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Their lone defeat came at the hands of Canada, who was far and beyond the best team in Group H. The Latvians expectedly took care of business against Lebanon, as they defeated the Middle Eastern country to the tune of a 109-70 beatdown. But Latvia's best win of the tournament came against France, who they upset with an 88-86 victory to book their ticket to the second round of the group stage.

Meanwhile, Spain swept through its competition in Group G with Willy Hernangomez leading the way throughout the first round. The Spaniards dominated and won each game by at least 18 points. They beat Cote d'Ivoire by 30 points to open the tournament, then handled Brazil 96-78, before finally closing the first round with an 85-65 victory over Iran.

Here are the 2023 FIBA World Cup odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

2023 FIBA World Cup Odds: Latvia-Spain Odds

Latvia: +11.5 (-125)

Spain: -11.5 (-111)

Over: 167.5 (-111)

Under: 167.5 (-115)

How to Watch Latvia vs. Spain

Stream: ESPN+, Courtside 1891

Time: 5:45 AM ET/ 2:45 AM PT

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why Latvia Will Cover The Spread

As expected, Latvia enters this game as pretty significant underdogs. Missing star big man Kristaps Porzingis, who is out due to plantar fasciitis, certainly doesn't help their cause. But they also have less NBA talent compared to their Spanish counterparts. Davis Bertans is the lone active player in the NBA currently. Rodions Kurucs is the only other Latvian with relevant NBA experience.

Nonetheless, despite being devoid of their star player in Porzingis, Latvia has straddled the 2023 FIBA World Cup by committee. Bertans isn't even leading the team in scoring. That distinction belongs to Roland Smits, who averaged 15.3 points through the first three games of the tournament. In fact, Bertans is struggling mightily from the field in the World Cup so far. He is averaging just 10.7 points while shooting a putrid 33.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the three-point arc, as well. If the Oklahoma City Thunder forward is able to break out of his funk and find his rhythm, Latvia can make this upcoming game versus Spain a little more interesting than the odds makers suggest.

Apart from those two, three other players averaged double-digits in the first round — Arturs Zagars (12.7), Kristers Zoriks (10.7), and Andrejs Grazulis (10.7). Zagars led the team in scoring in their huge win over France with 22 points, while Smits added 20.

Latvia will need everyone to step up even more after Dairis Bertans, who tallied 28 points in their first two assignments, suffered a torn hamstring. The VEF Rīga point guard will be out for five weeks and has been ruled out of the tournament.

Why Spain Will Cover The Spread

Spain understandably enters this game as comfortable favorites to remain undefeated in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Willy Hernangomez has taken the reigns as the top dog of the team and is ushering this new era of Spain basketball with the likes of the Gasol brothers and Ricky Rubio manning the fort. Hernangomez averaged 17.3 points per game on 58.8 percent shooting to go along with 6.0 rebounds during the first round of group play.

His brother, Juancho Hernangomez, was not far behind as the younger sibling averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The forward who starred for the Netflix hit Hustle, had his best game of the tournament in their most recent win over Iran. He scored 21 points in that game alone after scoring just 19 through the first two games. He finally found his rhythm from the field, going 9-of-13, which included two makes from beyond the arc. If Juancho continues his upward trend, they should be able to easily take down Latvia on Friday.

It also helps Spain's cause that the Latvians are missing two key stars. Porzingis was already ruled out prior to the start of the tournament. Now, Latvia has to deal with the loss of their starting guard in Dairis Bertans.

Final Latvia-Spain Prediction & Pick

Pick Spain for this one. Willy Hernangomez has been unstoppable in this tournament so far. With his brother Juancho having his best game in their most recent outing, Latvia may just have too much on their plates with the Hernangomez brothers playing well while being down another key piece in Dairis Bertans.

Final Latvia-Spain Prediction & Pick: Spain: -11.5 (-111)