Germany vs Latvia Prediction & Picks: Will Germany Drop Another 100-Piece in Wagner’s Return?

When Franz Wagner went down with an ankle injury in Germany’s FIBA World Cup opener, it could have derailed their hopes to contend for a medal. Instead, Germany has been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament in winning their first five games.

After sitting out the previous four games, Wagner is expected to be back in action in tomorrow’s quarter-final matchup with Latvia (4:45 am ET, ESPN+).

Will Latvia be tossed aside just as Finland, Georgia, and Slovenia were? Or will the surprising run for the FIBA World Cup first-timers continue into the medal round?

Germany vs Latvia Odds

Odds are via Bovada as of Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 5:00 pm ET.

Spread

• Germany -9.5 (-115)
• Latvia +9.5 (-105)

Over/Under

• Over 169 (-110)
• Under 169 (-110)

Moneyline

• Germany -450
• Latvia +350

Will Schroder Continue to Spearhead Germany’s Gold Pursuit?

With Wagner sidelined, others have stepped up to help Germany go 3-0 in the preliminary round then beat out Slovenia for top spot in Group K.

Most notably, Dennis Schroder has been a key part of each of their five wins. For the tournament, he is averaging 19.8 PPG and 6.8 APG, and he is shooting 50% from the field, 38.2% from three, and 85.7% from the free throw line. Also, he has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.4 to 1, as he has dropped 34 dimes but turned the ball over only 10 times.

In Sunday’s 100-71 win over Luka Doncic and Slovenia, Schroder had 24 points (8-11 FG, 4-7 3PT, 4-5 FT) and 10 assists. Slovenia led 25-11 after the first quarter, but Schroder’s efforts helped Germany astoundingly outscore them 89-46 the rest of the way.

It was Germany’s third straight 100-point performance and dominant win, following a 101-75 win over Finland to close out the preliminary round and a 100-73 win over Georgia in their first second-round game.

Results for Germany at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

• Friday, August 26: Germany 81-63 Japan
• Sunday, August 28: Germany 85-82 Australia
• Tuesday, August 30: Germany 101-75 Finland
• Friday, September 1: Germany 100-73 Georgia
• Sunday, September 3: Germany 100-71 Slovenia

With things going so well, there hasn’t been a need to take a risk and try to rush Wagner back. As a result, Germany will have a rested and recuperated Wagner for the business end of the tournament.

That’s a scary thought. Wagner, who averaged 18.6 PPG on splits of 48.5/36.1/84.2 and averaged 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in his second season in the NBA, had ten points, six rebounds, and five assists in 27 minutes against Japan before his unfortunate injury.

Will Latvia be able to have an answer for Wagner, Schroder, and Germany’s other weapons? It has been quite the memorable World Cup debut already, with a thrilling win to eliminate France in the preliminary round and a massive upset of Spain in the second round.

In both wins, Latvia trailed by double digits entering the fourth quarter before rallying. So, they aren’t going to be overawed by the occasion or what Germany has done up to this point.

Results for Latvia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

• Friday, August 25: Latvia 109-70 Lebanon
• Sunday, August 27: Latvia 88-86 France
• Tuesday, August 29: Canada 101-75 Latvia
• Friday, September 1: Latvia 74-69 Spain
• Sunday, September 3: Latvia 104-84 Brazil

Few would have expected Latvia to be here, especially after Kristaps Porzingis withdrew from the squad due to plantar fasciitis.

Without a big star to lead the way, it’s been a team effort for Latvia. Davis Bertans, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in July, is one of five Latvians averaging 10+ PPG, with Rodions Kurucs (8.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.0 APG) also providing valuable contributions.

Germany vs Latvia Prediction and Picks

Prediction: Germany to win

Picks: Germany -9.5 (-115 at Bovada) & Germany/Latvia over 169 (-110 at Bovada)

Latvia must not be underestimated at all. They have earned their place in the quarterfinals, and their wins over France and Spain, as well as Sunday’s win over Brazil in a must-win matchup for both teams, showed what they are made of.

However, Germany has been outstanding in this tournament, and they have been outstanding with one of their best players missing four games. I feel very confident in backing Germany to cover the spread as they set up a semifinal showdown with the USA.

Where to Bet on Germany vs Latvia and the 2023 FIBA World Cup

The Germany vs Latvia betting odds mentioned in this article came from Bovada, but they aren’t the only sports betting site out there offering 2023 FIBA Basketball 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 these books. We have reviewed each of the above books and highly recommend them all.

If you don’t have an account at any of those sites mentioned, check out our reviews to learn more about what they have to offer.