France vs Australia: Analysis and Prediction – As part of preparations for the FIBA World Cup, France and Australia will play a game.
France vs Australia Odds
France vs Australia (1/2): 1.57 / 2.25
Asian Handicap (-3.5 / +3.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Total Over/Under (163.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook
France Team News
France is in top form and are strong contenders for the championship title at the upcoming FIBA World Cup. They have won all six of their preparation matches. Only Lithuania managing to lose by single digits while all other opponents were defeated by at least 12 points.
The team’s strongest asset is their defense, allowing an average of 65 points per game, except for the Tunisia game where the average is 70 points. With this average of points allowed, a decent offensive performance is usually sufficient for win. We’ll have to see how the injury to Frank Ntilikina will impact their defense. He was the one who applied pressure on opposing guards and disrupted the opponents’ offensive strategies from the start.
France will use this match as an opportunity to further fine-tune their form, especially because they are in a tough group and need to be in good shape right from the start of the FIBA World Cup. One significant advantage for France could be their frontcourt. With Jock Landale injured, Australia is weaker in these positions, presenting a great opportunity for Rudy Gobert and Guerschon Yabusele to dominate in this matchup.
Australia Team News
Australia has played only three matches so far. After a comfortable victory against the Venezuelan team, they suffered a defeat against Brazil. Following that, they managed to overcome the South Sudan team. Australia has played against teams of lower quality so far, and this will be their first true test.
In two out of three matches, Duop Reath, former player of FMP and Crvena Zvezda, stood out for Australia. With Jock Landale’s injury, Reath is expected to play an even bigger role. Josh Giddey is expected to excel among the guard positions, but it’s crucial for Patty Mills to perform at his best for Australia to achieve significant results. So far, Mills’ shooting hasn’t been up to par, and time is limited since Australia is in a tough group. They need to be at their best right from the start.
In terms of playing style, France probably can’t replicate Germany or Finland, who are Australia’s opponents in the group stage of the FIBA World Cup. However, this match will be an excellent test. Facing France will reveal how far the Australian team is from being considered a medal contender. This will also be the first full match without Landale, so it will show how the center positions are distributed in terms of minutes, which were already weaker than the guard positions prior to this injury.
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France vs Australia H2H
These two teams have played eight matches so far, with Australia winning five times and France being successful three times.
Absence and injuries
The most notable name not playing for the French national team is Victor Wembanyama. In the last match against Lithuania, Ntilikina got injured and won’t be traveling to the FIBA World Cup. Mathias Lessort is also out. Ben Simmons and the already mentioned Landale are the most prominent names that won’t be in Australia’s lineup.
France vs Australia Prediction
There’s no doubt that France is a more skilled team. What sets the French apart from the Australian team is primarily the continuity these players have had in working with the coach. Vincent Collet has been the head coach of the French national team for over a decade. Another advantage is certainly the deeper bench that the French possess and their overall higher-quality player pool.
Considering all the factors mentioned, we suggest a win for France by no less than 4 points.
Tip-off Time: Sunday 20.08.2023, 16:00 CET
Prediction: France -3.5
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: Bet365