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Japan vs France Preview and Prediction for 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball | July 30, 2024

In a crunch Group B game on Tuesday, Rui Hachimura-led Japan will square off against Victor Wembanyama-led France in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The two teams endured contrasting results in their first game of the campaign. Japan were comprehensively beaten by Germany 77-97 while France prevailed 78-66 in a hard-fought game against Brazil.

Not many basketball fans expect Japan men's national team to content for a medal in Paris. France, however, carry a tremendous load of expectation. The Les Blues are playing at home with generational talent Wembanyama and four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert in their ranks.

Japan vs. France: Preview, prediction and odds

Japan and France will square off at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France on Tuesday. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 11:15 a.m. ET (8:15 a.m. PT). The Japan vs France game will not be telecast live. The hoops fans will have the option to stream the game live on Peacock and Fubo.

Moneyline: France (-2400) vs. Japan (+1200)

Spread: France (-17.5) vs. Japan (+17.5)

Total (O/U): France (o165.5 -110) vs. Japan (u165.5 -110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Japan vs. France: Preview

Japan struggled to shoot the ball efficiently against Germany and had eight more turnovers than their opponent. Rui Hachimura & Co. struggled in transition defense and conceded 13 points. Japan would need to be more clinical against a strong France side in order to open their account in the win's column.

Lakers star Hachimura was Japan's leading scorer with 20 points but he shot a poor 4-of-19 from the field, including 2-of-9 from the 3-point range. Japan would need their talented forward to score in a more efficient manner against the Les Blues.

Yuta Watanabe was excellent against Germany and made big shots from beyond the arc which kept Japan in the hunt in the first half. The former Phoenix Suns player scored 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting from the field, including 4-of-9 from downtown.

On the contrary, France needed a spectacular performance from Victor Wembanyama to overcome Brazil. The San Antonio Spurs star scored 19 points, grabbed nine rebounds, recorded fours steals and three blocks.

The Les Blues struggled from the 3-point range and shot 8-of-25 from deep. The host nation also lacked discipline as they registered 19 turnovers. France would look to be better on these two areas against Japan.

Japan vs. France: Predicted Starting Lineups

Japan: Yuki Kawamura, Rui Hachimura, Yuta Watanabe, Josh Hawkinson and Hirotaka Yoshii.

France: Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, Matthew Strazel, Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert.

Japan vs. France: Prediction

Playing at home and with momentum on their side, France are expected to win against Japan. The Les Blues will trouble Japan with their size and length. The rim protection of Gobert and Wembanyama would make scoring in the paint extremely difficult for Japan.

The oddsmakers have also given an edge to France. Expect Wembanyama & Co. to triumph over the Asian country in Lille.

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