Major Absences from Team Rosters

[Darrell Armstrong]

After Teo departure is fair to say that this is one of the poorest WC in terms of guards.

I still consider Serbia as a slight favorite for 2nd place, because the front line is out of this planet, but it seems that Spain and France look way more solid and deep in the guards positions.

Not really. Spain has a big problem with guards, and France to a lesser extent. Rubio is looking amazing right now, but let's see if he can be consistent when the tournament starts. And he's about the only one that can be fully counted on. Rudy and Llull are struggling with minor injuries and have played (poorly) just a few minutes each in the first three preparation games. Abrines is obviously out. Sergio Rodríguez excused his presence this year due to becoming a parent. I don't have much faith in the subs, neither. Colom reported overweight and slow as molasses. Jaime Fernández is an undersized SG, not a real PG. Pau Ribas shot has been off and he really doesn't provide anything else. And Sastre has played so poorly that he has been already sent home. On the other hand, forwards and centers have been a bright spot so far.

And France has lost Heurtel. They surely have a good starting 5 with De Colo - Fournier - Batum - Moerman - Gobert. But the bench looks very thin. Ntilikina will be a pest on defense, but he's unproven as a full-time ballhandler. Albicy is a journeyman. And what other shooters do they have? Lacombe? Really? Even without Teodosic, neither Spain nor France can match the Micic-Jovic and Bogdanovic-Guduric units.

[xenoloxy]

Philippines hoping for a miracle on Fiba’s decision if Jordan Clarkson is a local

[thespywhozaggedme]

Why no Gbinjie for Nigeria?

[greenarcher]

Bagley III is out for Team USA.

[soulis79]

As expected, Shved is out. He is injured according to Khimki's medical examinations. To be honest i had doubts from the beginning of preparations about his participation.

Today we will know if Slaughter will join the polish team.

[christodoulou76]

As expected, Shved is out.

very disappointing. weak Groups A-B path to quarter finals just got even weaker.

[Nemanja]

So,Nigeria has bigger chances for second place in group ,crossing with group a,they have almost realistic chances for quarter finals ,or maybe Cote d Ivoire or Poland will justify role of favourite in this row ?

[Mindozas]

So,Nigeria has bigger chances for second place in group ,crossing with group a,they have almost realistic chances for quarter finals ,or maybe Cote d Ivoire or Poland will justify role of favourite in this row ?

Nowhere seen Ivory Coast as some kind of favorites. Poor team, which will have hard time to win a game. If by some surprise they will qualify to next round, their path will end there what so ever. Shved missing only means smth to group B - easier for Argentina and good chance for Nigeria. A group chances here remains the same - both qialified teams most likely will be out in next round

[christodoulou76]

So,Nigeria has bigger chances for second place in group ,crossing with group a,they have almost realistic chances for quarter finals ,or maybe Cote d Ivoire or Poland will justify role of favourite in this row ?

Poland, China are likely top 2 finishers in Group A

[Ayrfon]

Teo will be in our roster

[Shawshank]

Russia from 4th place winner in eurobasket2017 lost 3 starters : main pg,main sg,main center all 3 because of injuries,tough blow for Russia NT.

Argentina is smiling now it was impossible to put easier road for them and harder for canada fighting for 2nd direct ticket to tokyo.

[Serbian_Layup]

Teo will be in our roster

I hear Đorđević says that Teo hasn't been ruled out yet, but what makes you claim this?

[Nemanja]

Nowhere seen Ivory Coast as some kind of favorites. Poor team, which will have hard time to win a game. If by some surprise they will qualify to next round, their path will end there what so ever. Shved missing only means smth to group B - easier for Argentina and good chance for Nigeria. A group chances here remains the same - both qialified teams most likely will be out in next round

Ambigous disposition of words .I wanted to write ,Nigeria and Poland after Argentina have main contenders for quarter-final, than is China ,Russia and Cote d Ivoire ,I m sceptic about China and Russia ,but Cote d Ivoire is maybe weakest ,but in some circumstances could surprise .Nigeria has better players than Poland,but like European country ,Poland has some tradition and organization,what could miss Nigeria .Their coach is Nigerian ,he wasnt headed some serious basketball team .On the other side,basketball is a little a bit in expanse in Africa,Mali shocked on WC u20 , Nigeria is almost complete on this tournament,has good players,Senegal also has good players .This World Cup probably will be best for African national teams ever .Probably,there will be at least 1 team in second phase,or maybe 2 .

[christodoulou76]

Kyle Lowry is out.

[reamily]

why is nigeria being tagged here as underdog?