Group D, Day 1, France vs Spain

[sseppel]

I think Spain is a clear favourite in this one.

[eliooo93]

Spain by 20-25

[Dtown]

Spain I think has the easiest group out of all the favored teams. Unless they sleepwalk through the game this is a blowout.

[Straight forward]

I don't think it will be that easy for Spaniards. The pressure is on world champs' shoulders, not France. It's important not to let Navarro to feel fresh air in the first minutes . I've noticed Rudy is far from his best so far, as well as the whole team. So if France could close down Spain's guards for a moment- who are fast as hell- and would set up slower tempo game, this game might be competitive, specially when it's first game.

[Saskibaloia]

I'm sensing an upset but really the Spanish team should easily win this as they make their way to the Finals.

[sseppel]

I don't think it will be that easy for Spaniards. The pressure is on world champs' shoulders, not France. It's important not to let Navarro to feel fresh air in the first minutes . I've noticed Rudy is far from his best so far, as well as the whole team. So if France could close down Spain's guards for a moment- who are fast as hell- and would set up slower tempo game, this game might be competitive, specially when it's first game.

Actually i think that the difference will be inside. Nobody in France can handle Marc Gasol, and Fran Vázquez pick & roll is outstanding, especially when playing with Ricky.

I'm betting for Marc as MVP of the game.

[Straight forward]

Actually i think that the difference will be inside. Nobody in France can handle Marc Gasol, and Fran Vázquez pick & roll is outstanding, especially when playing with Ricky.

I'm betting for Marc as MVP of the game.

You have some point here, Spain's centers might dominate. On other hand, Spain's guards (all package) seem the most scary to me - few bombs from Navarro, couple of steels of Rubio and you have no chance to come back. Marc can make his on shot while Vazquez depends on backourt.

[sinobball]

France has so much talent but from their exhibition results it seems they don't know how to put everything together.

[Franz]

France has no inside quality. They will struggle both on offense and defense because of this. However, Spain has been an up-and-down team so far in friendlies so I say Spain +10.

[Saskibaloia]

Spain to win this game and the World Championships ...

Initially I was predicting for the "Muchachos" from Argentina to win the tournament however, with the withdrawal of Andres Nocioni I can't imagine Luis Scola and Carlos Delfino doing a "Kobe-Shaq" combo and lifting the whole Argentinean team to the top of the podium.

Thus, I am predicting for Spain to win it again due to their team chemistry, bench depth, experience, international star power, offensive sets and overall familiarity to international basketball.

For me, I see Ricky Rubio having one hell of a tournament and finishing off as the tournament's MVP. His defense, court vision and familiarity to the international game is second to none.

I'm predicting Spain to reach the Finals to take on another European team either Greece, Croatia or Lithuania. I can't imagine the USA reaching the finals due to their lack of experience, lack of height, lack of familiarity to the international style of play, over excessive focus on their transition game and lack of chemistry.

[Federoy]

Series History (exhibition and official meetings):

Spain vs. France: 39-24, ESP

Last Meeting (exhibition or official):

2009 Eurobasket Championships; Katowice, POL (86-66, ESP)

[Perseus]

Spain +14

[arturcia]

Unfortunately this year the French have a very weak team. without Parker and Noah, they have no chance to resist the Spanish attack machine. Spain win 92 - 70

[samer_1_2]

My heart is with France but my logic is coming with Spain...
France team this year is similar to football team.. As I said earlier France might not reach second round.. I am sad

[AirBall]

France is terrible this time... Spain should manage to beat them easily...