Where to watch Germany vs. Japan 2024 Basketball Showcase game? TV schedule, online streams and more (July 19)
As preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, the reigning World Champions Germany face Japan in a basketball showcase game on Friday. Both countries will be eager to conclude their international friendly match-ups positively as the real challenges come in just over a week.
Germany hosts Japan at Uber Arena in Berlin on Friday, July 19. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET, which is 8 p.m. CET and 3 a.m. JST on Saturday, July 20 in Japan.
Viewers can watch Germany vs. Japan on Magenta Sport. The match can also be streamed live online through the Fubo TV platform and app. However, in Japan, the games will be aired on the Japan Consortium, a network combining NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, with various commercial TV and radio channels.
Germany vs. Japan 2024: Game Preview
Team Japan has had a difficult build-up to the competition, with only one win in four games, but would have been encouraged by their last game against Korea, which they won 88-80.
This game is unlikely to shed any light on Japan’s forthcoming campaign but should, on paper, be a confidence boost for a team led by Yuki Togashi and the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura.
At this point, it would be remiss of anyone to write off Gordon Herbert’s Germany ahead of an international tournament. Germany has won two out of three exhibition games so far, with a comfortable victory over the Netherlands (95-50) and a close win against France (70-65).
Even though they did drop their first game to France (90-66), their overall performance has been impressive. Having lifted the FIBA Basketball World Cup with a perfect 8-0 record last year, the Germans will be a tough opponent for the Akatsuki Five to break down.
Germany vs. Japan: Head-to-Head
The two countries have only faced off three times in their history, with Germany coming out on top twice, with one loss during a friendly in 2019.
Germany vs. Japan: Players to watch
One to watch for Japan is Yuki Kawamura, who possesses the skillset to pose a problem to Germany. He has become a key part of the side, was instrumental to their World Cup success, and represents one of their main threats.
Nick Weiler-Babb has impressed with FC Bayern this season. The 28-year-old also played a crucial role in Germany's third-place finish at FIBA EuroBasket 2022. His attacking proficiency and work ethic will be vital in Germany’s chances this summer.