France vs. Australia Preview: Ultimate Inside vs. Outside Clash—French Twin Towers vs. Aussie Shooter Squad

In the early hours of July 22, a highlight match in international basketball friendlies will take place, with Paris Olympic host France facing off against Australia. France is ranked 9th in the world, while Australia is 5th; in the team strength rankings published by FIBA prior to the Olympics, France was placed 3rd and Australia 7th, indicating that both teams are evenly matched. Both teams have already announced their 12-man rosters for the Olympics, and they include many active NBA players. Australia is led by young and experienced backcourt players Giddey and Mills, alongside capable players like Duop Rees, Exum, and Landale. France boasts a luxurious frontcourt duo of Gobert and Wembanyama, with seasoned veterans Fournier and Batum on the wings. Since entering July, both teams have played several friendlies. After two victories over China’s national team, Australia narrowly lost to Team USA but subsequently defeated Serbia and Puerto Rico consecutively. In their last game, Australia beat Puerto Rico 90-75, with five Australian players scoring in double digits: Giddey scored 19 points with 4 rebounds and 5 assists, Mills had 15 points, Landale contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds, Ingles added 11 points, and Josh Green scored 10. Since July, France has also played five friendlies, achieving a record of 2 wins and 3 losses. They recently lost to Germany, Serbia, and Canada in succession. In their last game, they were defeated 73-85 by Canada. Four French players scored in double digits, with Yabusele contributing 19 points, Gobert adding 12 points and 6 rebounds, Wembanyama scoring 10 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, and De Colo contributing 11 points. The two teams are largely at a similar level. France’s strength lies in its frontcourt, while Australia has an advantage in perimeter shooting. Whoever can maximize their strengths will have a better chance of winning. Here are the 12-man rosters for the Olympics:

France Men’s Basketball 12-Man Roster for the Olympics: Wembanyama, Gobert, Fournier, Batum, Bilal Coulibaly, Andrew Albicy, Isaia Cordinier, Nando De Colo, Mathias Lessort, Ntilikina, Mathieu Strazel, Guerschon Yabusele

Australia Men’s Basketball 12-Man Roster for the Olympics: Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Patty Mills, Josh Green, Dante Exum, Jock Landale, Duop Rees, Joe Ingles, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Matthew Dellavedova, Nick Kay