France will face Australia on Sunday in their final Group B clash in the league stage of the women's basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While France has already qualified for the quarterfinal stage of the tournament, the outcome of the game will be crucial for Australia's hopes of advancing.
Australia vs France: Preview, Prediction and Odds
The game is scheduled to tip off at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. It will air live on CBC and Peacock and will be available to livestream via FuboTV.
Moneyline: Australia (3.13) vs France (1.40)
Spread: Australia (+5.5) vs France (-5.5)
Total (O/U): 140.5
Note: The odds could change close to the game.
Australia vs France: Rosters
Team Australia secured their spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics when they won the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in February in Brazil. Their roster for the Olympics includes Lauren Jackson (F), Cayla George (C), Marianna Tolo (C), Tess Madgen (F), Rebecca Allen (G), Ezi Magbegor (C), Alanna Smith (F), Steph Talbot (F), Kristy Wallace (G), Sami Whitcomb (G), Jade Melbourne (G) and Isobel Borlase (G).
Meanwhile, the French team qualified for the Olympics as the host nation. Their Olympic roster comprises Marine Fauthoux (G), Alexia Chery (F), Sarah Michel Boury (G), Valeriane Ayayi (F), Iliana Rupert (C), Janelle Salaun (F), Dominique Malonga (C), Gabby Williams (F), Marieme Badiane (C), Marine Johannes (G), Leila Lacan (G) and Romane Bernies (G).
Australia vs France: Game Preview
The Australian team is coming off their first win in Paris against Canada on Thursday after they started their Olympic campaign with a loss against Nigeria. Sami Whitcomb led the team's victory charge in the 70-65 win against Canada with her double-double performance of 19 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals.
The win gave them a fighting chance to qualify for the quarterfinals, however, the upcoming game against France will be a must-win if they want to ensure their position.
Meanwhile, France is undefeated in Group B of the league stage and has already qualified for the quarterfinals. They began their Olympic campaign with a victory against Canada and defeated Nigeria 75-54 on Thursday. Gabby Willimas led France's victory effort with 14 points, five rebounds, seven assists and six steals.
Australia vs France: Prediction
France's form makes it the firm favorite to clinch victory against Australia. France finished third in the women's basketball event of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is expected to conclude the league stage of the tournament with a 3-0 record in front of its home crowd.