The biggest sporting event in the world is finally underway as the Tokyo Olympics 2020 is finally up and running. While host of sports like football and others have already begun, the Olympic basketball tournament begins tomorrow.
While European juggernauts like Spain and France all take part in the tournament, team USA are undoubtedly the favorites in the tournament. Arguably the most stacked team in the tournament, team USA are hoping to win their fourth gold medal in a row, but their path won’t be easy by any means.
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USA Basketball’s schedule in Tokyo Olympics 2020
USA and seven other teams start their Olympics campaign tomorrow. The 12 countries who are participating in the Olympics have been divided into three different groups. Kevin Durant and Co. have been drawn to group A.
Playing alongside France, Czech Republic and Iran, the USA will have to play three group stage games. These group stage games will determine whether USA make it to the knockout stages or not.
One day away from 🇺🇸 #USABMNT‘s start at #Tokyo2020!
Watch the U.S. Men’s preliminary round games vs 🇫🇷🇮🇷 & 🇨🇿 on @peacockTV & https://t.co/8XbHpJh6Lr. pic.twitter.com/ga6LSedq6n
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 24, 2021
Their first group stage game is against the French side. Starring Rudy Gobert, the French side has some good NBA players in Celtics’ guard Evan Fournier and Clippers’ forward Nicolas Batum.
If the US keep a lackadaisical approach, they had in the exhibition games, this French side can pull off an upset. This game will be played on 25th July and is scheduled for a broadcast of 8:00 AM PST.
Their second group game is against a resilient Iranian side. The Iranians do not have a single player from the NBA but might be a challenging opponent because of their team oriented basketball. This game will be played on 28th July and is scheduled for a broadcast of 12:30 PM PST.
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Their last group game is against the Czech Republic. The Czech side similar to the Iranian side do not have big name players other than Bulls’ guard Tomas Satoransky. But with the stakes so high expect to see the best of all the sides. This game will be played on 31st July and is scheduled for a broadcast of 8:00 AM PST.
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The USA certainly have some easy matchups on paper but nothing is guaranteed till the team actually win games. With the likes of Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant, a gold is an expectation. Given their shaky performances in the exhibition games, can the USA basketball team win their fourth gold medal in a row? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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