Team USA is kicking its preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics into a new gear. After days of intense practice against the U.S. Select Team, Mike Krzyzewski’s squad will have its first showcase in Las Vegas. The opponent will be Argentina, a veteran team that boasts NBA talent and has earned medals in two of the last three Olympic games.
USA vs. Argentina 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Team USA basketball’s first exhibition game online
Team USA’s first exhibition game will be against an experienced opponent.
It will be a good test for a team that is trying to find an identity in the absence of former mainstays like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and has not settled on a permanent starting five just yet. You can watch it on NBA TV at 9 p.m. ET or stream it on NBA TV's Facebook page.
While several top players announced they were not going to be part of the team, the U.S. still has by far the most talented roster in the world. Only Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony remain from the squad that won it all in 2012, but some of the best young talent in the league has joined them. Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green all bring championship experience, while Paul George will be back wearing USA colors, looking to fulfill his Olympic dream after suffering an awful leg injury while getting ready for the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
Argentina is led by Manu Ginobili in what will likely be his last international competition. Luis Scola and Nicolas Brussino, recently signed by the Dallas Mavericks, are the other NBA players in the roster, but former Bull Andres Nocioni and former Buck Carlos Delfino are also part of the team. While Argentina has some talent in the perimeter, it lacks size at the big men positions, so it will be interesting to see if the U.S -- which typically overwhelms opponents with its guard talent -- will take advantage of the lack of an inside presence and let Green, DeAndre Jordan and especially DeMarcus Cousins feast in the paint.
This is just the first of many exhibition games planned and the team was assembled just days ago. It might take a few more practices before Team USA really starts clicking. A dominant win against a competitive opponent, however, would be the perfect way to start things off.
How to watch Team USA vs. Argentina showcase
Place: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: NBA TV
Streaming: Facebook Live Stream
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