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Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Greece will host Luka Doncic's Slovenia in a FIBA World Cup 2023 preparation game on August 4 at OAKA Arena.

Greek Basketball Federation officially announced that the Greek national team will face Slovenia in a friendly game that will be held on August 4 at OAKA Arena in Athens.

This match will mark the first time Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic might be facing each other on the international front with their respective national teams.

The game in early August is intended for the preparation for the FIBA World Cup 2023. The major basketball event is scheduled from 25 August to 10 September in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

Greece and Slovenia have already qualified for the upcoming tournament.

Meanwhile, the Slovenian Basketball Federation's president confirmed Luka's participation in World Cup. Antetokounmpo is also expected to play for Greece.

Both Doncic and Giannis were part of FIBA EuroBasket 2022 last September. Despite an early elimination in the quarterfinals stage, Mavericks and Bucks superstars had a stellar tournament.

Doncic averaged 26.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.

For his part, Giannis made the EuroBasket First Team after posting 29.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists.

Luka Doncic drops 51 vs. Spurs, averages 45.6 points over last five games

Luka Doncic is the first player in NBA history with 250 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists over a five-game span.

Luka Doncic scored 51 points, including two free throws with 4.5 seconds remaining, and the visiting Dallas Mavericks edged out the San Antonio Spurs 126-125 on Saturday to win their season-best sixth straight game.

It was the third 50-point game in the past five matches for Doncic, including 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists Tuesday night in an overtime victory over New York.

He's the first player in NBA history with 250 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists over a five-game span.

''It's incredible,'' Mavericks center Christian Wood said. ''In my seven years in the league, I've never seen anybody do what he's able to do. He's on an incredible run. He's playing like an MVP. Clearly one of the best players in the league.''

''Not easy to win here,'' Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. ''But, again, Luka was incredible. He bails us out again by missing the free throws as much as he wanted to make those free throws down the stretch, so that they didn't have time to set up a play.''

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich jokingly vowed that Doncic would be held under 50 points. The Mavericks star almost played along.

''No, I just wanted to get a win,'' Doncic said of his 51-point outing.

But 51 points was nice, right?

''Of course,'' Doncic said amusingly.

He averaged 35.1 points in December, the highest scoring in any month in franchise history.

Doncic dominated San Antonio with his usual display of step-back, mid-range jumpers, 3-pointers, and free throws. He was 18 for 28 from the field, including 6 for 10 from downtown.

''Yeah, we had a good team effort and individual effort on him, but he's an amazing player,'' Popovich said. ''His IQ is off the charts. So, we would rather win than lose like everybody else in the world, but [I'm] really proud of their effort and the way they just kept going even after we got down whatever it was, 13, 14, I can't remember.''

Goran Dragic is in his 15th NBA season since leaving Union Olimpija in 2008.

Apart from his time with the Slovenian national team, he last returned to Europe during the 2011 NBA lockout and played for Baskonia in Spain, but his stint there was short-lived.

Dragic then came back to the Houston Rockets and was a backup point guard for Kyle Lowry.

"I kind of miss the atmosphere of the European arenas," he pointed out in an interview with Christos Tsaltas of SDNA.gr. "I've been playing for 15 years in the NBA and I'm used to it here. Every time I go back to Europe to play things are a bit different because the fans are more... crazy, in a good way. They always support you and bring positive energy."

Playing for 15 years in the strongest basketball league, Dragic is more than capable of comparing the European basketball and NBA level.

"The distance is closing, but looking back, European players didn't get a chance to play. Maybe there was no progress before. But now, we see that in positions 1, 4, and 5 European players dominate as never before. It's really impressive," he rejoiced.

In May, Dragic will turn 37 and will have 19 professional seasons under his belt.

As the Chicago Bulls guard says, he is open to any challenge. However, the NBA remains his priority.

"I still feel great. Basically, I feel much better this year than I have in the past two years. I have no injuries, I'm happy, I feel good and I want to play for a few more years. As long as I feel good, I will continue to play," the Slovenian said, before expanding on whether the prospect of returning to Europe is in his mind.

"At the moment, I do not have the possibility of returning to Europe in mind. I want to compete with the best players in the world and I feel that the NBA is the best league," he stressed.

"I will never say no, though. I'm leaving every door open, and I'll see what the future holds for me," Dragic concluded.