FIBA Women’s World Cup Picks: Back Team USA and Germany in Tuesday’s Action

The United States gets some well-earned rest the next two days after serving up three straight victories in the FIBA women’s World Cup in Germany. Team USA next plays in Thursday’s quarterfinals when it will face either Hungary or Japan.

The United States won its three Group D games by an average of 25.7 points and that includes barely skating past Italy 55-52 on Sunday. The Americans were much better one day later when they rolled to a 105-64 victory over Czechia.

France, Belgium and Spain also advanced directly to Thursday’s quarterfinals. France won its three Group B games by an average of 42.3 points.

AMERICANS ARE HEAVY FAVORITES

The United States has a deep roster and plenty of firepower despite that odd 55-point outing against Italy. When the top women’s player in the world – A’ja Wilson – is on your side, you can feel pretty good about your championship aspirations.

France (+700) is the likely championship opponent and that matchup might have a familiar ring. The U.S. and France played in the 2024 Olympic gold medal game and Team USA survived 67-66 when France’s Gabby Williams (who now plays for the Golden State Valkyries) hit a two-pointer from just inside the 3-point line as time expired.

Belgium (+1200) beat its three group play opponents by an average of 12.7 points and features all-time World Cup assists leader Julie Allemand (111) of the Toronto Tempo but it would be a surprise to see it in the title contest. Spain (+2500) is an even longer shot to crash the final.

United States to win championship, -370 (DraftKings)

GERMANY, HUNGARY LOOK LIKE WINNERS ON TUESDAY

Host Germany has a date in Tuesday’s qualifying round and figures to slide past South Korea. Luisa Geiselsoder, who plays for the Portland Fire, awoke with 17 points in Monday’s 83-58 win over Mali after having just nine points in the German’s first two games.

South Korea scored 99 points in a win over Nigeria but just 73 and 69 in its other two group stage games. The prognostication of 68.5 as the over/under appears right on (-105 for the over, -125 for the under).

Hungary (+2.5) against favored Japan should be a contest that goes right down to the wire. Hungary got steamrolled 99-53 by France on Friday but shook off the lumps and bounced backs with victories over Nigeria and South Korea.

Germany to win spread, -13.5 (DraftKings)