The men’s basketball quarterfinals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will begin on Tuesday, with Canada drawing France in one quarterfinal.
On the same side of the draw, Germany, who won gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, will clash with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece. Serbia meets Australia and the United States faces Brazil in the other quarterfinal matchups.
Canada defeated Greece 86-79, Australia 93-83, and Spain 88-85 on their way to the quarterfinal. France received a scare in the preliminary round, edging Japan 94-90 in overtime.
France will present a unique challenge for Canada, especially on the interior. Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert will be tough to handle inside with their size as big men is not Canada’s strong suit. However, Canada definitively has the better guard play, and their perimeter defense, which has been excellent thus far, will be crucial in slowing the likes of Evan Fournier and Nic Batum. Canada and France will tip at 12 p.m. eastern time.
Germany and Greece is an interesting matchup obviously because of Antetokounmpo leading a team that on paper is not as solid as Germany’s. Germany has a well-rounded group with good guard play and perimeter shooting. Daniel Theis is also the type of versatile and athletic big man that excels in FIBA basketball. This matchup draws the earliest time slot of 5:00 a.m. eastern time.
Serbia and Australia is another marquee game, with Nikola Jokic and Bojan Bogdanovic leading a team that will face a complete Australia squad. Josh Giddey has been particularly impressive for Australia. Tip-off 8:30 a.m. eastern time.
Former NBA draft pick Bruno Caboclo scored 33 points and had 17 rebounds against Japan in the preliminary round, and he no doubt will be the focus of the United States’ defense. The Americans defeated Puerto Rico 103-84 on Sunday afternoon, Anthony Edwards leading the way with 26 points. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. eastern time.
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