Is Jamal Murray playing today against France? Latest on former NBA champion's availability (July 19)

Jamal Murray is expected to suit up for the Canadian national team as they face Team France on Friday for their second preparation game ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Murray previously played for Team Canada when they faced Team USA on July 10 for an Olympic showcase game.

The game concluded with the Canadian team being defeated 86-72 by Team USA, with Murray recording five points and five rebounds in the loss while shooting 25.0% from the field, including 33.3% from beyond the arc.

Jamal Murray and Canada vs. France: Preview, Betting Odds and Prediction

The upcoming matchup will be Canada's second preparation game for the Olympics. They qualified for the tournament after finishing third in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they defeated Team USA in the bronze-medal match. Jamal Murray was not a part of the Canadian squad in the FIBA World Cup tournament.

Meanwhile, the French squad qualified for the Olympics as the host nation and will play their fifth Olympic preparation game on Friday, with a 2-2 record thus far. They are coming off a 67-79 loss to Serbia last Friday, which featured a masterclass by Murray's Denver Nuggets teammate Nikola Jokic as he led Serbia to the win.

The Canadian team will likely deploy a starting lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G), Jamal Murray (G), Dillon Brooks (F), RJ Barrett (F) and Dwight Powell (C) for the upcoming game.

On the other hand, the French team is anticipated to use a starting lineup of Matthew Strazel (G), Isaia Cordinier (G), Victor Wembanyama (F), Bilal Coulibaly (F) and Rudy Gobert (C).

Betting Odds and Prediction

Moneyline: Canada (+135) vs. France (-102)

Spread: Canada (+2.5) vs. France (-2.5)

Total (O/U): 162.5

Note: The odds could change close to the game.

Canada and France are two of the best nations for the Paris Olympics basketball tournament behind Team USA and the upcoming matchup between the two is anticipated to be an interesting clash.

Team France is favored to clinch victory against Team Canada on Friday, in part due to the greater playing time experience they've gained over the past two weeks. However, it will likely be a close game, with France predicted to pull away late in the fourth quarter for the win.

Where to watch Canada vs. France?

The Olympic preparation game between Team Canada and Team France will tip off at 3:00 p.m. ET on Friday at the Co'Met Arena in Orleans, France. The game can be live-streamed via the NBA YouTube channel as well as Courtside 1891, the exclusive streaming platform for FIBA.