AUS vs GEO Match Update: Australia and Georgia will face each other in the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2023 on Friday, September 3rd at the Okinawa Arena in Japan. Both teams are looking to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament, which will be held in Manila, Philippines. Here is a preview of the match, along with the Dream11 team prediction and tips.
Australia’s Dominant Performance in Group Stage
Australia finished the group stage as the top team in Group B, with three wins out of three games. The Boomers defeated Finland, Japan and Slovenia by an average margin of 23 points, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Patty Mills was the star of the show for Australia, averaging 22 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. The Atlanta Hawks guard was supported by Xavier Cooks, who averaged 21.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, and Josh Giddey, who nearly recorded a triple-double in his debut against Finland with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Australia has a balanced roster with 11 NBA players, including veterans like Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova and Aron Baynes, as well as young talents like Matisse Thybulle, Jock Landale and Josh Green. The Boomers also have a experienced coach in Brian Goorjian, who has led them to six medals at the FIBA Asia Cup. Australia is aiming to win its first ever medal at the FIBA World Cup, after finishing fourth in the last two editions.
Georgia’s Surprise Run to Second Round
Georgia was one of the surprise teams in the group stage, as they finished second in Group A behind France. The Georgians upset Brazil and Canada in their first two games, before losing to France by 10 points in their final game. Georgia relied on their physicality and toughness to overcome their opponents, as they ranked first in rebounds (46.7 per game) and second in blocks (4.7 per game) among all teams in the group stage.
Georgia’s main weapon is Tornike Shengelia, who averaged 18 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. The Chicago Bulls forward was named the MVP of the Spanish League last season, and he has proven his worth on the international stage as well. Georgia also has other NBA players like Goga Bitadze, Zaza Pachulia and Dairis Bertans, who provide depth and experience to the team. Georgia is coached by Ilias Zouros, who has led them to three EuroBasket appearances since 2011.
Dream11 Team Prediction and Tips
Here is the Dream11 team prediction for Australia vs Georgia:
Point Guard: Patty Mills (SP), Dairis Bertans
Shooting Guard: Joe Ingles
Small Forward: Xavier Cooks
Power Forward: Tornike Shengelia
Center: Aron Baynes
Bench: Josh Giddey, Matisse Thybulle, Goga Bitadze, Zaza Pachulia
Tips:
- Patty Mills is a must-have player in your Dream11 team, as he is the leading scorer of the tournament so far. He can score from anywhere on the court, and he also contributes in other categories like rebounds, assists and steals.
- Tornike Shengelia is another player who can fill up the stat sheet for your Dream11 team. He is Georgia’s best player, and he will have a tough matchup against Australia’s frontcourt. He will need to be aggressive and efficient to keep his team in the game.
- Xavier Cooks is a value pick for your Dream11 team, as he has been one of Australia’s most consistent performers in the group stage. He can score inside and outside, and he also rebounds well for his position.
- Goga Bitadze is a risky pick for your Dream11 team, as he has been inconsistent in the tournament so far. He has shown flashes of his potential as a shot-blocker and a scorer, but he also fouls a lot and struggles with his free throws.
