France, the host country for the 2024 Olympic Games, is gearing up for a strong run at the gold medal in basketball. Already qualified for the tournament, Les Bleus will face tough competition in Group B against Germany, Japan, and the winner of the Olympic Qualifier in Latvia. Before the Olympic tournament tips off, France will participate in five exhibition games against top-tier international squads, providing crucial preparation and exciting matchups for fans. Find out where to watch these “Olympic Basketball Games Today” (preliminary exhibition matches) and who will be representing France and their opponents.
France’s Challenging Exhibition Schedule: A Preview of Olympic Basketball
France’s pre-Olympic schedule features compelling matchups against reigning FIBA World Cup champion Germany and runner-up Canada. These games will be a critical test for the French team, allowing them to refine their strategies and build chemistry against elite competition. The exhibition games will also give fans a glimpse of potential Olympic basketball matchups and the intensity to expect in Paris.
The full schedule of France’s exhibition games is as follows:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| July 3 | Turkey | 3:00 PM |
| July 8 | Germany | 3:00 PM |
| July 12 | Serbia | 3:00 PM |
| July 19 | Canada | 3:00 PM |
| July 21 | Australia | 3:00 PM |
The French National Team during the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers.
Star-Studded Rosters: NBA Players to Watch in the Olympic Basketball Games
France boasts a talented roster with a mix of current and former NBA players, headlined by the highly anticipated debut of Victor Wembanyama. Veteran NBA players like Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert provide a strong core, while young talents like Bilal Coulibaly and Ousmane Dieng add exciting potential.
France’s opponents also feature numerous NBA players, ensuring high-level competition in these exhibition games. Australia’s roster includes Josh Giddey, Patty Mills, and Matisse Thybulle, while Canada features NBA stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, and Jamal Murray. Germany’s Dennis Schroder and the Wagner brothers will be key players to watch, as will Serbia’s Nikola Jokic. These exhibition games offer a unique opportunity to see some of the best basketball players in the world compete before the Olympics.
Group Phase Preview: France’s Path to Olympic Glory
Following the exhibition games, France will begin its Olympic campaign in Group B. The team will face Brazil on July 27, Japan on July 30, and Germany on August 2. These group phase games will be crucial for determining seeding in the knockout stage, making every game a must-win for France.
Tony Parker’s Jersey Retirement: A Legend Honored
Adding to the excitement surrounding French basketball, Tony Parker, a Class of 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, will have his No. 9 jersey retired by the French Federation of Basketball on July 12 during the exhibition game against Serbia. This tribute to a French basketball legend will be a special moment for fans and players alike.
Where to Watch the Olympic Basketball Games (Exhibition Matches)
Fans can catch all the action of France’s exhibition games live on the NBA App, NBA.com, and the official NBA YouTube channel. While local blackouts may apply, these platforms offer comprehensive coverage of the lead-up to the Olympic basketball tournament. Don’t miss the chance to watch these crucial “Olympic basketball games today” as France prepares for its quest for gold in Paris.
