Is Josh Giddey playing today vs France? Latest on Chicago Bulls guard's availability (July 21)
Team Australia will hope star guard Josh Giddey can continue his fine form against Team France tonight in Orléans. Giddey has been outstanding during Australia's run-up to the Olympic Games in Paris. The Chicago Bulls star is set to suit up and lead his team once again on Sunday against France.
Giddy played 25 minutes in Australia's 90-75 victory over Puerto Rico on Friday. He led all scorers on the night with 19 points and chipped in with four rebounds and five assists to guide the Boomers to their second straight victory.
Prior to the Puerto Rico match, Josh Giddey played 23 minutes and racked up 13 points, six rebounds and two assists in an 84-73 upset of Nikola Jokic's Serbia team.
Perhaps Giddey's most impressive performance of the summer came against a star-studded USA Team that featured LeBron James and Steph Curry on July 15. The versatile guard recorded 17 points on 7-17 shooting and led his team in rebounds (8) and assists (7). Australia battled valiantly to keep the game close, but eventually fell to a 98-92 defeat in a tightly contested matchup.
The game against France will be a real test for an Australia side that is hitting its stride at the right time. Four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama are both set to feature for the French team. France will also be looking to bounce back after a frustrating 85-73 loss to Canada on Friday.
Josh Giddey will be a key figure as Australia goes in search of their second Olympic medal in the basketball event
The Boomers won their first medal in basketball at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, securing the bronze medal with a win over Slovenia. Australia became the first nation from outside of Europe or the Americas to win a medal in the basketball competition. Coach Brian Goorjian will be looking to replicate the feat this summer in Paris.
The Australians will turn to Josh Giddey to lead them in a difficult group consisting of Greece, Canada and Spain. The NBA star, who has been the team's standout player over the last few weeks, will have to be at his best if the Australians have any chance of finishing with a medal.
Sunday game will be the final exhibition game for both these side before heading to the Olympics in Paris. The basketball portion of the games will begin on July 27 with Australia facing Spain in the opening encounter.