Greece vs USA Prediction & Picks: Another big game for Banchero?

The USA got off to a slow start in their FIBA World Cup opener against New Zealand. But after finishing strong, they go into Monday’s matchup with Greece (8:30 am ET, ESPN2) on the right foot.

In Saturday’s game in Pasay, Philippines, New Zealand jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the first quarter. But the USA ended the period on a 15-4 run, and a 9-0 spurt late in the second quarter broke open a close game.

From there, it was a losing battle for the Tall Blacks. New Zealand spent most of the second half trailing by double digits as the USA went on to a 99-72 win.

While the five-time FIBA World Cup champions were able to record a resounding result without putting in their best performance against New Zealand, they will need to be better against Greece, their toughest opponent in the preliminary round.

Greece vs USA Basketball Odds

Odds are via Bovada.

Spread

• Greece +23.5 (-115)
• USA -23.5 (-105)

Over/Under

• Over 178.5 (-110)
• Under 178.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Greece +2000
• USA -100000

Will Banchero Help Teamwork Make the American Dream Work?

Earlier this year, it looked like Paolo Banchero would be suiting up for Italy in the World Cup.

But after winning NBA Rookie of the Year honors this past season, Banchero committed to playing for the USA. In the process, he caused quite a bit of upset.

However, his decision appears to have paid off very handsomely already. The Orlando Magic star opened the tournament with a game-high 21 points against New Zealand. Banchero made 8 of 10 shots and was one of six Americans to score in double figures.

For the USA to have a chance to win the World Cup, everyone will have to step up.

Therefore, it is encouraging that Banchero and others did just that after a poor start. In the first quarter, they made just 6 of 15 shots (40%). But in the final three quarters, they shot a scorching 65.9% (29 of 44).

Top Performers for USA vs New Zealand

• Paolo Banchero: 21 points, four rebounds
• Anthony Edwards: 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists
• Jaren Jackson Jr.: 12 points, four rebounds
• Austin Reaves: 12 points, six assists, three steals
• Tyrese Haliburton: 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals

That level of sharpness won’t necessarily be needed against Greece. That said, they will need to bring it on both ends of the court.

Just as the USA did against New Zealand, Greece got scoring from a wide variety of sources in their 92-71 win over Jordan.

Seven players scored at least seven points, led by 19 from guard Giannoulis Larentzakis.

Top Performers vs Greece vs Jordan

• Giannoulis Larentzakis: 19 points, three assists, two steals
• Thomas Walkup: 13 points, seven assists
• Ioannis Papapetrou: 13 points, four rebounds
• Nikos Rogkavopoulos: 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals

With Giannis Antetokounmpo not playing for Greece following knee surgery, there aren’t any household names–stateside, at least–in their roster.

But the USA almost certainly won’t be taking them lightly. If they do, it will be at their own peril.

Not taking the opposition lightly includes taking care of the basketball, which they didn’t do all that well against New Zealand.

The Americans totaled 23 assists on Saturday, but they also turned the ball over 19 times. Greece, on the other hand, had more than twice as many assists (24) as they had turnovers (11) in the win over Jordan.

Greece vs USA Prediction and Picks

Greece vs USA Picks: Greece/USA over 178.5 (-110 at Bovada) & Greece team total over 77.5 (-115 at Bovada)

If the Americans play up to their potential, they can run away with the win.

However, I think Greece will prove to be even harder to put away than New Zealand were. While I do expect the USA to ward off any potential upset concerns, I don’t feel comfortable backing them to outscore Greece by at least two dozen points.

Where to Bet on the FIBA World Cup

The Greece vs USA betting odds mentioned in this article came from Bovada, but they aren’t the only sports betting site out there offering 2023 FIBA World Cup odds.

Here are some of the reputable online sportsbooks that we recommend for betting on the FIBA World Cup and other basketball competitions and leagues like the NBA and WNBA:

• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

In addition to odds for each game of the tournament, you can find FIBA World Cup futures odds at reputable sportsbooks like these.