FIBA fans are getting ready to watch 24 teams compete in Greece, Latvia, Spain and Puerto Rico, where the winner of each tournament will qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Like the NBA finals, the health of Luka Doncic could be a crucial factor in the FIBA Olympic qualifiers July 2-7 in Greece. So far, doctors have cleared Doncic to play for Slovenia, which could meet Dario Saric’s Croatia or a Greek team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final in Piraeus.
Latvia and sharpshooter Davis Bertans will enjoy home court advantage in Riga, even without injured Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis. Brazil seek to return to the Olympics after missing Tokyo 2020, while Philippines hope to capitalize on their momentum after their successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup last summer.
Spain, with FIBA legends Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Llull, have not missed the Olympics since 1996. But even with home court advantage in Valencia, they will likely be the underdogs against a team from Bahamas loaded with NBA talent including center Deandre Ayton and marksmen Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon.
Lithuania, led by Domantas Sabonis, are the favorites in Puerto Rico, even without big man Jonas Valanciunas. They are a streaky team that beat United States, Slovenia and Greece at the FIBA world cup in Manila. Italy (who finished 5th at the Tokyo Olympics) and Mexico will likely challenge host Puerto Rico for a spot in the final in San Juan.
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