Is Dennis Schroder playing today vs Team USA? Latest on FIBA World Cup MVP's availability (July 22)
Dennis Schroder and the reigning FIBA World champions Germany are next in line for Team USA’s preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It will be the final exhibition game for both teams ahead of the tournament.
Schroder is set to play for Germany, whose squad also includes Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner against the star-studded Team USA. The game will be held in London, United Kingdom, and will tip off on July 22 at 3 p.m. E.T.
Schroder, who serves as the team captain, last played in an impressive win versus Japan, 104-83, where he scored 12 points and four assists, on four-of-six shooting from the field. Franz Wagner impressed versus Japan, recording 27 points and eight rebounds in front of their home crowd in Berlin.
However, Team USA will pose a different threat to Germany, as they will be parading a 12-man roster led by LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.
Team USA is coming off a tight 101-100 victory against South Sudan to go 4-0 in their pre-Olympic games. Meanwhile, Germany boasts a 3-1 card in their exhibition showcases, winning against France, the Netherlands and Japan. They dropped their first outing versus France, whose squad includes Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama.
The Dennis Schroder-led Germany will have lofty expectations heading to the Olympics, as they won last year’s FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, where Team USA fell out of the podium.
Dennis Schroder was named the World Cup MVP after leading the Germans to a stunning World Cup triumph, beating Team USA in the semi-finals and Serbia in the gold-medal game.
Dennis Schroder remains confident in Germany’s chances in the Olympics
In the last World Cup, Germany showed that they can compete among the best of the best teams in the world despite them being short of NBA star power.
Citing their World Cup experience, Dennis Schroder expressed confidence in his team as they head to the Paris Games with tough games like against the retooled Team USA.
"As long as we give it our all for 40 minutes and play the way we know how, of course we can beat anyone," said Schroder.
Germany will play in Group B in the Olympics, along with hosts France, Brazil and Japan. The team is expected to secure one of the top two spots and move on to the second round.
Despite having a legend in Dirk Nowitzki, the Germans haven't won an Olympic medal in men’s basketball. In the last Games in Tokyo, Germany finished eighth after winning only one of their four games.