Australia vs Canada Preview and Prediction for 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball | August 1, 2024

By Sahir Bhojwani

Modified Aug 01, 2024 17:31 GMT

Australia will take on Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics women's basketball tournament, with both teams looking to secure their first win of the competition. Thursday's Group B encounter should be an exciting matchup, with this early-round game already a must-win game for both teams.

Australia entered the tournament as the No. 3 ranked team in the world, behind only the United States and China. Led by an experienced lineup that includes WNBA star Alanna Smith and Lauren Jackson, Australia is one of the favorites for the women's basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Opals reached the quarterfinals in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo but failed to secure a medal after a heartbreaking loss to the United States. They have had an exceptional record at the Olympics over the last three decades. Since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Australia has won three silver medals (2000, 2004, 2008) and two bronze medals (1996, 2012).

Canada is not far behind Australia in the world rankings, placing fifth overall in the list entering the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Canadians had an underwhelming 2-4 record in their exhibition games coming into the tournament, but with several highly-rated players in the lineup, they remain a contender for a medal.

It has been a difficult run in the Olympics for the Canadian women, who are yet to win a medal in seven tournaments. Their best finish came in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where they finished fourth.

Australia vs. Canada 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball: Preview and Prediction

Canada guard Sami Hill dribbles the ball past France guard Romane Bernies at the 2024 Paris Olympics at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Image Credit: Imagn

Australia and Canada will face off at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq on Thursday, Aug. 1. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 a.m. EST and can be streamed on Peacock.

A devastating 75-62 opening loss to Nigeria was a major setback for Australia. The team will be desperate to bounce back against Canada to maintain a chance of progression to the next round.

Coach Sandy Brondello's team has several high-profile players on the roster, including Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm) and Sami Whitcomb (Seattle Storm). Smith was the team's standout player in the first game, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds.

They also have veteran center Lauren Jackson, who joined the team for the tournament at the age of 43. Jackson is a seven-time WNBL champion and a four-time league MVP.

Canada managed just 54 points against a France team that looked comfortable throughout the game. The team will need to be better on the offensive side on Thursday if it hopes to keep its Olympic medal hopes alive.

Canada will look to its Los Angeles Sparks guard Kia Nurse for a big night. She finished with 11 points in the team's opener but will need to be better at involving her teammates. Minnesota Lynx forward Natalie Achonwa will be another big name to watch out for.

Australia vs. Canada 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball: Predicted starting lineups

Australia

PG - Sami Whitcomb, SG - Jade Melbourne, SF - Alanna Smith, PF - Ezi Magbegor, C - Steph Talbot

Canada

PG - Kia Nurse, SG - Shay Colley, SF - Bridget Carleton, PF - Natalie Achonwa, C - Kayla Alexander

Australia vs. Canada 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball: Prediction

This will not be an easy matchup for Canada. Australia comes to the Olympics with one of the most talented rosters and has a great combination of experience and youth. The fact that they were upset in their opening game to Nigeria will make the Opals extremely motivated to bounce back on Thursday. Expect Australia to edge this must-win matchup.