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

Modified Aug 01, 2024 06:12 GMT

Overwhelming underdog Germany bids to cause another upset when it takes on 2020 silver medalist Japan on Thursday. After contrasting starts to the tournament, this game at Pierre Mauroy Stadium will go a long way in determining the future of both sides.

While Germany stunned Belgium 83-69 in its first match, Japan suffered a heavy 102-76 defeat against the USA, scoring just 37 points in the second half. Japan must avoid defeat if it is to maintain its hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.

This is the second time Germany and Japan will meet at a major tournament. The first was in the quarterfinals of the 1998 World Championship, with the Akatsuki Five coming out on top with an 88-71 victory.

Japan vs Germany odds, preview and prediction for 2024 Paris Olympics women's basketball

Japan vs Germany is scheduled for a 5:00 am ET and 12:00 pm tip-off on Thursday, Aug. 1. The game will take place at Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Lille, in Northern France. Basketball fans can watch the game live on NBC’s streaming network, Peacock and Fubo.

Moneyline: Japan (-175) vs. Germany (+217)

Spread: Japan (-8.5) vs. Germany (+8.5)

Total: (O/U): 158.5 (-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. Germany preview 2024 Paris Olympics women's basketball

Germany came into its first Olympic Games with a young squad and a sprinkle of experienced players like Satou Sabally, Marie Guelich and Alexis Peterson.

Sabally contributed 17 points (3/10 FG, 8/10 FT) in the opening game, while Guelich led the team with seven rebounds. Peterson dished out eight assists. The trio will be crucial for Germany's success throughout the tournament.

On the other hand, Japan is a rather unpredictable team when it comes to the Olympics. Having finished runners-up in Tokyo 2020, the Akatsuki Five have struggled in recent times. They suffered multiple defeats during their warm-up games, including a 92-62 hammering at the hands of New Zealand.

Additionally, it got off to a poor start in Paris 2024 with a 102-76 defeat to gold medal favorite, the USA. What was most impressive about Toru Onzuka’s side was its effectiveness on the counter-attack, threatening on multiple occasions through Maki Takada, Mai Yamamoto and Saori Miyazaki.

This is Japan's sixth Olympic appearance and this game is make or break. Anything short of a win would make it almost impossible to venture deep into this tournament.

Japan vs. Germany: Prediction

Talented as it may be, Japan has been underwhelming of late. Germany certainly demonstrated a greater sense of attacking desire than Japan did in its opening game and should edge a closely contested battle on Thursday.