Top 5 group stage games at the FIBA World Cup

The focus will shift to international basketball on Saturday when FIBA World Cup group play tips off in eight cities across China.

While the biggest fireworks are expected in the latter stages of the tournament, here are five first-round games to watch.

Philippines vs. Italy, Aug. 31

Serbia is the clear-cut favorite in Group D, with Italy and the Philippines likely to battle for second. And with the top two teams from each group advancing, this Day 1 matchup is all the more crucial.

While the Azzurri are more experienced with Danilo Gallinari, Marco Belinelli, and Gigi Datome in the fold, Gilas Pilipinas could make some noise. Former NBAer and transplanted American Andray Blatche should lead the way, while five-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo will man the center spot.

France vs. Germany, Sept. 1

Germany's best-ever international finish was third at the 2002 World Championship, but even following the retirement of Dirk Nowitzki, the team is eyeing a deep run in China. Dennis Schroder, Maxi Kleber, and Daniel Theis are the headliners, and they'll face their stiffest Group G test with France.

Les Bleus are entering the World Cup at No. 3 in the FIBA rankings, and some are picking them to unseat the No. 1 Americans. But while Rudy Gobert may be the best defensive player in this tournament, Kleber is no slouch on the other side. The Dallas Mavericks center can not only block shots, but has also demonstrated an ability to defend smaller NBA guards on switches.

Brazil vs. Greece, Sept. 3

Montenegro remains a wild card in Group F, but Greece's top competition in the pool is likely to be Brazil. Giannis Antetokoumpo is the superstar fulcrum for Hellas, while the Brazilians rely on players like Spanish league star Vitor Benite and former NBA veterans Leandro Barbosa, Marcelo Huertas, and Anderson Varejao. Younger, current NBA players Bruno Caboclo and Cristiano Felicio should also figure prominently.

USA vs. Turkey, Sept. 3

This should be the toughest test for the United States in Group E, although the Americans will be heavily favored. Still, the game should give Gregg Popovich more time to work on rotations given the Turks' savvy NBA core of Cedi Osman, Ersan Ilyasova, and Furkan Korkmaz, which allows them to play both big and small.

Lithuania vs. Australia, Sept. 5

If there's a "Group of Death" at the World Cup, it's Group H, with an average FIBA ranking of 19 that's highest in the tournament. And with Canada missing many key players, the favorites in the pool are Lithuania (No. 6) and Australia (No. 11).

While the Aussies are missing a big piece as well in Ben Simmons, they played well in pre-tournament action with Patty Mills and Joe Ingles leading the way. Veteran Andrew Bogut figures to get work against Jonas Valanciunas, but for Lithuania, the tournament could be a coming-out party for Domantas Sabonis. The 23-year-old will have a larger role this time around after playing 18.5 minutes per game at the 2016 Olympics.