The Serbian basketball team is set to kick off their 2023 FIBA World Cup journey with a game against China on Saturday. Coach Svetislav Pesic emphasized the importance of the first game, stating that it is the most crucial one for him. The Serbian team is considered one of the favorites for the tournament and is missing some big names, including NBA star Nikola Jokic. However, they still have a strong roster led by sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic. In their pre-game training, Serbia defeated China 87-64 in a friendly match, but Pesic remains cautious of China's potential and their good offense, defense, and organization. The team is excited and ready to start the competition officially, with Bogdanovic stating that there are no easy games in the World Cup and all teams are well-prepared. Serbia will also face Puerto Rico and South Sudan in Group B, making their opening match against China a crucial one to set the tone for the tournament.