Match Preview
Utah Jazz's star player Lauri Markkanen will be available for this and final round match, which should be a massive boost for Finland in search of important points. Can Hungary cause trouble in Helsinki?
Finland Looking to Extend Winning Run
Finland are having a good run in the FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers and have already clinched a spot in the next phase after securing three victories in four matches.
Their only defeat so far came in the opening round, where they were tagged favorites against Hungary but had a disastrous first half (a 21-point deficit) and lost 89-82.
The Scandinavian side responded with three straight victories, beating France 83-76 as underdogs, as well as Belgium twice in narrow encounters, 71-66 and 78-75.
Hungary Are at 50% Win Rate
Hungary are also very close to advancing to the final qualifying stage but have not been as successful as their upcoming opponents, occupying 3rd place in Group G with a 2-2 record.
Both of their victories came in the opening week in late November, pulling off an upset by defeating Finland 89-82, where Zoltan Perl starred with 25 points, then outplaying Belgium 87-85 on the road.
They offered good resistance in the third round against favored France at home but ultimately lost 74-71, then got smashed 98-79 in Le Mans a couple of days later, allowing too many open three-pointers to the opposition (who made 17 of 31 attempts).