Derrick Rose and team USA are 23.5 point favorites over Russia on Thursday morningRussia has appeared strong in this tournament despite being without versatile forward Andrei Kirilenko. Their other former NBA player, Victor Kryhapa, has not been playing either. Their only loss, to Turkey, came as no surprise, as Hedo Turkoglu, Ersan Ilyasova, and the rest of the Turkish team has been great playing in their home country for this tournament. Sasha Kaun has been a bright spot for Russia, as well. He went late in the second round of the NBA draft, but has looked to be worth much more in play throughout. His lanky and gangly frame allows him to squirm his way for open looks. Thus far he is averaging 11.5 ppg.
The FIBA world championships could be Derrick Rose's coming out party.Part II FIBA World Championships, taking a look at the players and odds for some of the teams in Groups C & B.