Finland v Bahamas FIBA OQTs Where to Watch & Preview
- → Tipoff at 17:30 CET on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024.
- → Match to be played at the Pabellon Fuente de San Luis, Valencia.
- → Finland need to replace Markkanen’s contribution if they want Summer Olympics ticket.
- → Bahamas, a wild card in this tournament featuring solid NBA talent.
Finland and Bahamas open Valencia OQT
It is not ideal for Finland to be without their undisputed star Lauri Markkanen, forced out by an injury, as they compete for their first Olympic participation in 60 years.
The Jazz star is nursing a shoulder injury, and that makes things hard for Head Coach Lassi Tuovi. Finland’s preparation to the tournament went well as the Wolf Pack beat New Zealand and Latvia in their two games.
Former Michigan Wolverine Olivier Nkamhoua led the team with 21 points as Finland obtained a marquee win against in-form Latvia.
On the other end of the court, Bahamas look like a realistic contender for their first-ever major tournament: Klay Thompson’s absence was expected, but the NBA quartet of center DeAndre Ayton, Eric Gordon, Buddy Hield, and Kai Jones still holds promise for their chances at Paris.
All this talent will be coached by Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco, ready to get the Caribbean country to their first-ever Summer Games.
Finland v Bahamas Preview
Finland might struggle against that caliber of NBA-level talent from the Bahamas roster.
DeAndre Ayton was the Phoenix Suns’ number 1 pick in the 2018 NBA draft and, although his time with the Suns was full of highs and lows, he is a max-caliber NBA player.
Paired with veterans Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield, he makes possibly the most talented trio to be play in Valencia’s tournament.
It will be hard for Finland to match the Bahamians, and an upset is possible only if the Wolf Pack’s shooting is on-point, something they have not been able to show at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Unless that happens, it looks like a sure win for Ayton and co.
Where to watch Finland v Bahamas basketball
Watch Finland v Bahamas live from the Pabellon Fuente de San Luis, Valencia, on Courtside 1891 with a MAX Annual subscription or an event pass.
A MAX subscription gives you access to ALL the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments action and a year of basketball on the platform.
Check out our live basketball streaming plans.
Depending on your location, blackout restrictions may apply. Check what games are available to you here. This game, and every game at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, will be streamed live on Courtside 1891 with a pass or a MAX account.
