Having finished 4th at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and backing it up with a bronze medal at the Olympics, there is a feeling that this Australian side is on the cusp of something special at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
With 10 NBA players in their midst, this Australian squad is as strong as any before it and they will be hoping to hit the ground running here against Finland.
Nullifying any Finnish threat will be key for the Boomers, as they look to assert their style on the contest from the off at the Okinawa Arena.
Finland
This is only the second time in which the Finnish men’s basketball team have reached the World Cup and they will be eager to spring a few surprises with some betting apps.
Failing to make it out of the group stages back at the 2014 FIBA World Cup will be seen as a learning curve for the Finns, who do have a stronger look to them in 2023.
Fresh off the back of a 7th place finish in the European Championships in 2022, Finland should be full of confidence and star centre Lauri Markkanen continues to impress in the NBA.
They will know the pressure is on Australia for this one and they could revel in their role as underdogs.