Latvia's men's basketball team is gearing up for two crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Poland, scheduled for February 27 in Latvia and March 1 in Poland. The Latvian Basketball Union announced that Rolands Šmits, who plays for Anadolu Efes in the EuroLeague, is expected to join the team after his club's schedule allows him to arrive in Riga on February 26. This addition is significant for Latvia as they look to improve their standings in the qualifying rounds.

The Latvian team is bolstered by the return of players Kristers Zoriks, Artūrs Strautiņš, and Toms Skuja, who were previously unable to compete due to health issues. However, the team will be without key EuroLeague players Dāvis Bertāns, Rodions Kurucs, and Artūrs Žagars, who are sidelined due to their health conditions. Currently, Poland leads Group F with two wins, while Latvia and the Netherlands each have one win, and Austria has suffered two losses, making the upcoming matches pivotal for Latvia's hopes of advancing.

The outcome of these matches will not only affect Latvia's chances in the World Cup qualifiers but also their overall ranking in European basketball, as success in these games could significantly enhance the team's confidence and performance in future competitions. As the competition heats up, the Latvian team is eager to leverage the returning players' experience and skills, making these encounters with Poland essential for their campaign.