Japan's men's national team faces a simple calculation in its upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Iran and Qatar — win to advance.

But with the absence of both its U.S.-based talents — emerging Gonzaga University star and NBA draft hopeful Rui Hachimura and fringe Memphis Grizzlies swingman Yuta Watanabe — it falls upon a platoon of local players to get the job done.

A place at the basketball World Cup is not the only thing at stake in the two games to be played over the next four days, however. Japan still must convince the sport's governing body that it warrants inclusion as host at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.