Is Rudy Gobert playing today against Canada? Latest on 4x NBA DPOY's availability (July 19)

Rudy Gobert is ready to help Les Bleus against Canada on Friday. The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner will again anchor Vincent Collet’s team on the defensive end along with Victor Wembanyama. Gobert’s presence against the star-studded Canadians will boost the hosts.

Canada is led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray. Coach Jordi Fernandez Torres can also lean on RJ Barrett, Lu Dort, Dillon Brooks, Andrew Nembhard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The team’s superb perimeter talent will test the Wembanyama-Gobert pairing in France’s interior.

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Rudy Gobert has experience playing against Canada

France and Canada have played each other twice since 2010. The last time they met was in the 2023 Group Phase of the FIBA World Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia. Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum and Nando De Colo led a team considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. The Canadians were bannered by Murray, “SGA,” Brooks, Barrett, Dort and Kelly Olynyk.

Instead of a seesaw battle between two teams that fans expected, Les Bleus was embarrassed starting the second half. Even with Gobert manning the middle, the French were routed 25-8 in the third period before losing the final frame 27-17.

Evan Fournier, who seemed dazed after the whipping, told the media:

“We got our a** kicked.”

On Friday, Fournier, Nic Batum and Rudy Gobert will have a chance for some payback. France has reinforced with Victor Wembayama who withdrew from the World Cup to prepare for his rookie year with the San Antonio Spurs. The Washington Wizards’ Bilal Coulibaly is also on the roster to boost the French.

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Rudy Gobert underwhelmed against Canada the last time he met them

Rudy Gobert played 27 minutes in France’s humiliating 95-65 loss to Canada at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. “The Stifle Tower” had eight points, nine rebounds, one block and four turnovers.

Despite Gobert’s presence, the Canadians won the rebounding battle 45-35, including a decisive 15-6 advantage on the offensive glass. The French also lost the points in the paint tussle 36-30. Critics had a field day trolling the Minnesota Timberwolves star after the loss.

Gobert can atone for that underwhelming performance with a strong showing on Friday. Although the Olympics hasn’t started yet, he can set the tone for his teammates this early in their preparation. The Canadians ran amok against France’s defense the last time they met. They will test it again even with the towering duo of Gobert and Wembanyama anchoring the back line.