USA Basketball vs. Australia Preview: A Clash of Current NBA Players with James and Curry Leading the Charge for Victory

At midnight on July 16th, the USA Basketball team will face off against the Australian national team in a friendly match. Both teams are star-studded, featuring a total of 20 current NBA players, making this game one to watch.

Following their setback at last year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup, Team USA has assembled its strongest “Avengers” lineup, including superstars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and others, aiming straight for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Although Kawhi Leonard had to withdraw due to injury, Derrick White stepped up promptly, ensuring that the team remains well-stocked with superstars across all positions, leaving almost no weaknesses.

Prior to this, Team USA played a friendly match against an equally impressive Canadian squad. Despite a poor start in the first quarter, Team USA managed a comeback, ultimately defeating Canada 86-72, securing their first victory in the friendlies. From the first game, it was clear that Team USA’s offense was multifaceted, overwhelming their opponents. Apart from Durant sitting out due to injury and Haliburton failing to score, all other players contributed points. The direct connection between James and Curry became a talking point among fans post-game. The only disappointment was Embiid, who, starting as the center, was fouled out after just 12 minutes on the court, committing three turnovers, indicating he still needs to adjust to FIBA’s officiating standards and physicality.

Australia is also a formidable force in international basketball, currently ranked 5th in the world. Prior to the Olympics, Australia announced a 12-man roster that included eight current NBA players, boasting a similarly impressive lineup led by veteran Patty Mills, a dominant force on the FIBA stage. Other notable names include Giddey, Landale, Ingles, Daniels, Josh Green, and Exum, all fierce competitors in the NBA arena. Though less famous than Team USA, their fighting spirit cannot be underestimated.

In their four most recent meetings, each team has won twice, with both of Australia’s victories coming in friendlies. Given this, even when facing a star-studded Team USA, Australia isn’t entirely without a chance. With the majority of players competing in the NBA, both teams have a deep understanding of each other. In this match, Durant, nursing an injury, is likely to sit out again.

Roster Breakdown:

Team USA’s 12-Man Roster: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton.

Australia’s 12-Man Roster: Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Patty Mills, Dante Exum, Jock Landale, Sam McDaniel, Joe Ingles, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Matthew Dellavedova, Nick Kay.

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