As the group play ended for men’s basketball in the 2024 Paris Olympics, eight teams have become one step closer to that gold medal. They are France, Germany, Canada, Greece, Serbia, Australia, Brazil, and the team in focus here, the United States. As Team USA gets ready for the matchup against Brazil, the one questionable player no longer has that tag. Steve Kerr has positive confirmation for the status of Boston’s star guard, Jrue Holiday.

The 34-year-old hadn’t suited up against their final foe in the group play, Puerto Rico, because of an ankle injury. However, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Coach Kerr had no doubts about Holiday’s presence against Brazil. “USA coach Steve Kerr says Jrue Holiday (ankle) will play Tuesday vs Brazil,” Spears’ latest tweet read.

The 2x NBA champion had sustained the injury when Team USA matched up against South Sudan. Somewhere in the third quarter, Holiday had turned his ankle in transition. The sudden injury had the veteran guard limping for a while, but he stayed in the game, finishing with five points, two rebounds, a block, and an assist each in 15 minutes.

Their opponent, Brazil, for their part, had lost the first two games of the group play. But a win over Japan, led by ex-Toronto Raptors first-round pick, Bruno Caboclo (a massive 33 points and 17 rebounds), ensured a spot in the quarterfinals. Seeing as their first opponent is the top-ranking Team USA with its flawless 3-0 record and a spectacular +64 point differential, the chances of a victory seem unlikely.

Team USA vs Brazil: Scheduled time, projected starting lineup, and more

Team USA vs Brazil is scheduled to tip off at 3:30 PM ET at Accor Arena. Looking at the record between the two countries, the United States maintains absolute command with a 9-0 record. The only catch? Their last battle was in 1996.

Unfortunately, that’s a matchup that not even LeBron James was in attendance. He would be, after all, just 12 years old at the time. So, this is a group of Brazilian Olympians that they wouldn’t be familiar with.

However, as mentioned above, it’s a team that does not have a talent board that can rival this group of Avengers. The only active NBA player on the Brazilian team is Gui Santos. Sure, they could bombard them with three-point shooting. Even so, Kerr pretty much wields his 12-man roster like the seasoned general he is. And his soldiers, donning the Red, White, and Blue, are only too willing to execute his commands. On that note, here’s the projected lineup for Team USA.

Then again, Brazil is looking for their first Olympic medal since their bronze in the 1964 Tokyo Games. Yet, however way we look at it, the motivation and passion are there, but how much can one man do against a group where every single player can do anything that’s asked of them? Desperate times call for desperate measures, so all we can do is wait and watch. Having said that, here’s Brazil’s projected starting lineup.

Well, who do you have your bets on? Let us know in the comments.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.