Is Victor Wembanyama playing today vs Australia? Latest on San Antonio Spurs center's availability (July 21)
Victor Wembanyama is expected to suit up for the French national team as it hosts Australia on Sunday for its sixth and final preparation game ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The San Antonio Spurs' center previously played for Team France when it faced Canada in an exhibition matchup on Friday.
Wembanyama had a relatively quiet game as Canada handed France its third straight loss with an 85-73 win over the host nation. The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals while shooting 57% from the field, including 66% from beyond the arc, in over 25 minutes of playtime.
Victor Wembanyama will look to play his part in the upcoming contest against Australia as France looks to snap its losing streak and close out its Olympic preparation games with a win.
Victor Wembanyama and France vs. Australia: Game Preview
The French squad started its preparation games with back-to-back wins against Turkey and Germany but has since lost three games in a row against Germany, Serbia and Canada.
Victor Wembanyama led the team's effort in all the games except its most recent loss against the Canadians. He was unavailable to play in France's first loss against Germany. He averaged 18.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks in his four preparation games while shooting 60.9% from the field.
Meanwhile, the Australian squad will play its eighth and final Olympic preparation game on Sunday. The Boomers are coming off back-to-back wins after their 90-75 victory against Puerto Rico on Friday. Team Australia has only lost to Team USA and drew against Team Japan in the preparation games to gain a 4-1-2 record ahead of its matchup against France.
As for the upcoming contest, the French team may deploy a starting lineup of Isaia Cordinier (G), Evan Fournier (G), Victor Wembanyama (F), Guerschon Yabusele (F) and Rudy Gobert (C).
On the other hand, the Australian team is anticipated to use a starting lineup of Josh Giddey (G), Patty Mills (G), Dyson Daniels (G), Nick Kay (F) and Jock Landale (C).
Where to watch France vs. Australia?
The Olympic preparation game between Team France and Team Australia will tipoff at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at Co'Met Arena in Orleans, France. The game can be livestreamed via the NBA YouTube channel and Courtside 1891, the exclusive streaming platform for FIBA.