Gilas Pilipinas' chances of beating the Dominican Republic in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup just grew after it was revealed that National Basketball Association cagers Al Horford and Chris Duarte won't be playing in the Philippines.

Miroslav Dragoljević of BasketballSphere reported that the two NBA stars won't be in the Dominican squad but has yet to reveal the reason for their omission.

Horford averaged 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and three assists as the Boston Celtics made it as far as the Eastern Conference Finals this year before losing to the Miami Heat in a best-of-seven series.

He, however, has been plagued with nagging back and knee injuries, likely prompting him to use the offseason to rest and recover for the next season.

Duarte also had injury problems during his time with the Indiana Pacers as he has been hampered with a nagging ankle injury during this season.

The match between Gilas and the Dominican Republic will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan with Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl Anthony Towns leading the Dominicans.