Team Germany and Team Japan will kick off the Paris Olympics Group B competition for the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the pre-Olympic games, these countries faced each other and Germany dominated Japan. Germany’s National Basketball team roster features the Wagner brothers and the 2023 FIBA World Cup MVP, Dennis Schroder. Further, Team Germany went 2-for-2 in their pre-Olympic games against France, Australia, and the USA. As the reigning champions, Team Germany gave Team USA a tough time in their final friendlies, however, the team lost to Team USA. Thus coming from a competitive loss, Germany could dominate Team Japan.
On the other hand, Team Japan went 0-for-4 in their last four matches. Despite this loss, the Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura displayed a promising performance that could give Team Japan an edge over the reigning champions. Japan has a decent squad that should pull through in this debut 2024 Olympic Games. Thus, can Japan clinch their first win?
Germany vs. Japan Game Details
Fixture: Team Germany vs. Team Japan
Date and Time: July 27 @ 7:30 am ET
Group: B
Streaming: Peacock
Paris Olympics Team Review
Team Germany
One of the headliners of this team’s roster is Franz Wagner as his performance during the pre-Olympic games couldn’t be overlooked. The 6’10 forward currently plays for Orlando Magic. Through his NBA Career, the 22-year-old averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while making 47.9% of his field goal attempts and 33.2% of his three-pointers. Though the forward constantly improves his three-point game, he plays decent defense as he averages one steal per game. Franz Wagner should explode against Japan and score 20+ points to help his team clinch their first Paris Olympic win.
Dennis Schroder is the captain of Germany’s roster. Also, the 6’1 guard currently plays in the NBA league for the Brooklyn Nets. Further, throughout his NBA career the 30-year-old averaged 14 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds, shooting 43.4% in the field and 34.4% beyond the arc. Schroder’s offensive prowess improved constantly over the years as he averaged 6.1 in assists and 37.5% in three-pointers while playing for two NBA teams last season. Thus coming into the 2024 Paris Olympics, the German guard’s improved skill should reflect against Team Japan.
Team Japan
The Lakers forward Rui Hachimura is the star of this team. After missing some games at the Lakers and Japan, the 6 ‘8 forward came back hot in his debut matches against Australia. Following up on his performance, the 26-year-old went all out against Team Serbia as he finished with 29 points, and four rebounds, making 65% of his shots on the field and 5-of-8 three-point attempts. Throughout his NBA career, Hachimura averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 49.3% from the field and 37.1% beyond the arc. Thus if Team Japan plays good defense, Hachimura’s offensive efforts would shine against Germany.
Yuta Watanabe played for four teams in the NBA league before moving permanently to Japan in 2024. Throughout his NBA Career, the 6 ‘9 forward averaged 42.6% in field goals and 37% in three-pointers with 54.7% in true shots in 13.3 mins. Watanabe should be a great supportive player for Hachimura to ease the offensive burden on Rui.
Possible Breakout Players of the Game
Team Germany
Mortiz Wagner the brother of Franz Wagner and they both play for Orlando Magic. Mortiz came off the bench to score 12 points and seven rebounds in 10 minutes against Team USA. In his NBA career, the Magic forward averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists with 62.9 true shot percentage. The 6 ’11 German also plays center and could disrupt Team Japan’s offensive playbook.
Team Japan
Keisei Tominaga is a player to look out for if he starts from the bench. The Pacers point guard went undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft. Though his experience level is low, the 6’2 guard showed a promising performance in his final years of college basketball. In 32 games, the 23-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in the 2023-24 season with Nebraska. Also, Tominaga made 46.6% in field goals and 37.6% in three-pointers. Thus he should help maintain the team’s offensive momentum during the game.
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