Two of the most talented teams at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will face off when Australia meets Germany for the second game of group play. Germany's ability to compete in this one will largely depend on the availability of Magic forward Franz Wagner.
On Friday, Wagner suffered a sprained left ankle in the fourth quarter of Germany's win over Japan. Wagner landed on the foot of an opponent after driving and leaping to pass the ball.
One of four active NBA players on Germany's roster, Wagner is a key component to the team's success. He finished with 10 points, six rebounds and five assists in the victory.
Will Wagner be available when Germany faces Australia? Here is the latest news on his status ahead of a crucial game in Group E.
MORE: Ranking the top players at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Is Franz Wagner playing today vs Australia?
Wagner's status was listed as day-to-day heading into the game, per the German National Team doctor.
According to Germany head coach Gordon Herbert, Wagner has undergone at least one MRI on the injured ankle and despite reports that his injury was improving at a steady rate, following the imaging results, the Magic forward will not play against Australia.
Three hours before tip-off, ESPN's Olgun Uluc confirmed that Wagner will not be suiting up.
Franz Wagner is out for tonight’s Australian Boomers vs Germany game, he told ESPN. Wagner suffered a left ankle injury in the 4th quarter of Germany’s FIBA World Cup opener vs Japan.
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) August 27, 2023
How to watch Australia vs Germany at the FIBA Basketball World Cup
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 27
- Time: 4:30 a.m. ET | 6:30 p.m. AEST
- TV channel: ESPN/Kayo Sports (Australia)
- Live Stream: Courtside 1891
Germany will take on the Australian Boomers on Sunday, Aug. 27. The game is scheduled to start around 6:30 p.m. AEST (4:30 a.m. ET). The game will be played at Okinawa Arena.
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will air in Australia on ESPN/Kayo Sports. The tournament will also be available to stream on FIBA Basketball's official streaming service, Courtside 1891. It offers two subscriptions.
Courtside 1891 Plus is free and gives you access to "extended highlights and a curated feed for your favorite teams." Courtside 1891 Max is a paid subscription that allows you to watch "live game streams and full game replays." Geo-restrictions may apply to certain regions.
Use code TSN10WC to receive a 10 percent discount for Courtside 1891.
If you just want to watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup, you can buy a pass for the entire tournament for $34.99 (AUD). An annual pass, which includes the FIBA Basketball World Cup and other international competitions, costs $49.99 (AUD).
When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
- Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
- Locations: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup began on Friday, Aug. 25. The group stage will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines and run through Sept. 3, with the single-elimination knockout stage beginning on Sept. 5.
The tournament will conclude with the gold medal match on Sunday, Sept. 10.
Germany schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Germany is in Group E with Australia, Finland and Japan. All of its first-round group-stage games will be played in Okinawa, Japan.
You can find Germany's group stage schedule below.
| Date | Opponent/Result | Time (ET) | Time (AEST) |
| Friday, Aug. 25 | Germany 81, Japan 63 | — | — |
| Sunday, Aug. 27 | vs Australia | 4:30 a.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Aug. 29 | vs Finland | 3:30 a.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
