Olympics Men’s Basketball: Australia vs USA
USA Basketball have been the favorites since before the 2016 Rio Olympics ever got underway in regards to the gold medal in Olympics men’s basketball. However, it’s also undeniable that they haven’t played the most difficult of opponents in the hoops competition at Rio 2016 through their first two outings. That all changes on Wednesday when Australia vs USA comes up on the docket.
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Though Australia was always going to be a dangerous team at the Rio Olympic Games, they’ve looked fantastic thus far. Andrew Bogut has looked like a star while the backcourt duo of Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova have been playing exceptionally well also. What’s interesting about Australia vs USA, though, is the problems that they could present defensively for the United States.
While USA Basketball clearly has the overall talent and depth advantage over the Aussies, some of their biggest advantages against many teams are negated against Australia. Dellavedova can pester the American guards on the perimeter with pressure and cause them trouble while Bogut is capable of bodying up with and handling the physicality of DeMarcus Couisns and DeAndre Jordan.
What this may come down to is if Australia can find an answer for the likes of Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, and the other US wing players and forwards. Though Joe Ingles is a solid player, that he or his teammates can handle that task is definitely in question and makes USA Basketball still the favorite. Even still, this will be the biggest marquee matchup in Olympics men’s basketball to date.
Australia vs USA in Olympics men’s basketball will be broadcast live on both NBCSN and the Olympics Basketball Channel. Live streaming for the matchup will be available through NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app.
Details for Australia vs USA in Olympics men’s basketball action are below:
Date: Wednesday, August 10
Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Arena: Carioca Arena 1
TV Info: NBCSN, Olympics Basketball Channel
Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com