Schoolboy Taine Murray and Southland Shark forward Tom Vodanovich drop out of the 14-man preparation squad.
That was confirmed following Wednesday night's 103-100 overtime loss to Canada in Sydney.
It leaves a squad headlined by European-based duo Tai Webster and Isaac Fotu, as well as former NBA triallist Corey Webster.
Guard Ethan Rusbatch continues his outstanding season and nabs a spot after an impressive build-up.
Meanwhile, versatile big man Tohi Smith-Milner also makes the 12.
Aside from that, it was the usual names making up the squad - the notable absentees being the injured Mika Vukona and Reuben Te Rangi.
Coach Paul Henare was happy with the final selections.
"The group we have decided on is a well-balanced one in respect of their experience and their on-court roles and responsibilities," he said.
"Most important is their understanding of and ability to play the game we are looking to play as a team in China, and we will continue to use the remainder of our build up to fine-tune and look to be at our best on September 1 when we run out against Brazil.
"We have had to deal with a couple of injuries and sickness prior to our initial selection and then here in Sydney - that has given other guys a chance to step up and play more minutes.
"We head to China with an experienced group, but a group that knows they have a lot of hard work ahead, but they are ready to embrace this challenge."
The Tall Blacks begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday night next week against Brazil.
They will then play Montenegro, before a match-up against a Greece side which includes NBA most valuable player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
To advance to the round of 16 they will need to finish in the top two of those four.
