Australia put a scare in Team USA on Tuesday, keeping the game close until late. But in the end, the best team in the tournament prevailed and will finish first in Group A. That means finishing with the top spot in Group B is even more important now, as it would allow whoever gets it to avoid the U.S. until a potential final.
Olympic basketball schedule 2016: Argentina and Lithuania battle at the top of Group B
The two undefeated squads will battle for the top spot in their group and the chance to avoid Team USA until a potential gold medal game.
Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
The winner of Wednesday’s Argentina vs. Lithuania clash will get a step closer to that goal on the day’s biggest game.
The linchpins of the Golden Generation that gave Argentina the gold in Athens 2004 are back for one last ride, and so far, the results have been better than expected for a team that has veterans on their last legs and unproven youngsters. Luis Scola, a role player in the NBA but a star in FIBA play, is leading the way, averaging 20 points per game, including 23 against Croatia in the second game of the group. Manu Ginobili, meanwhile, has come up big when his team has needed him the most.
If Lithuania can contain those two, they will have a good chance of winning. The European powerhouse has the size to hurt the smaller Argentina inside in Jonas Valanciunas and Domantas Sabonis and a more well-rounded roster filled with experienced performers in their prime. Whether they can score enough against Argentina's stout defense remains to be seen, but the edge they have in physicality should translate into dominance on the boards and could get them to the line enough to overcome any droughts.
This will be the biggest test for both teams, which haven’t face the struggling but dangerous Spain yet, which makes the 9:30 p.m. matchup hugely important.
On the women’s side, the undefeated Australia, which is dominating Group A, is expected to beat Japan, while France should do the same to an outmatched Brazilian squad that has yet to win a game. The most intriguing matchup of the day is Turkey vs. Belarus, which could determine who finishes fourth in the group and faces the juggernaut that is Team USA in the quarterfinals.
2016 Rio Olympics basketball coverage for Thursday (All times Eastern)
Men’s basketball
Brazil vs. Croatia, 1:15 p.m. (TV: USA Network | Streaming: NBS Sports Stream)
Nigeria vs. Spain, 6 p.m. (TV: Basketball Specialty Channel | Streaming: NBC Sports Stream)
Lithuania vs. Argentina, 9:30 p.m. (TV: Basketball Specialty Channel | NBC Sports Stream)
Women’s basketball
Belarus vs. Turkey, 11:15 a.m. (TV: Basketball Specialty Channel | Streaming: NBC Sports Stream)
France vs. Brazil, 2:30 p.m. (TV: Basketball Specialty Channel | Streaming: NBC Sports Stream)
Japan vs. Australia, 4:45 p.m. (TV: Basketball Specialty Channel | Streaming: NBC Sports Stream)
See More:
