USA Men Basketball's Group Stage Opponents, Schedule for 2024 Paris Olympics Set
July 8, 2024
The schedule for the United States men's national basketball team at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics is officially set.
FIBA @FIBABuckle up world.<br><br>The basketball is going to be HOT in Paris this summer! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAOQT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAOQT</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/mx0D62yLge">pic.twitter.com/mx0D62yLge</a>
After Puerto Rico qualified for the Olympics on Sunday, Team USA's schedule at the Games is confirmed.
The United States will open up against Serbia on July 28 at 11:15 a.m. ET, then face off against South Sudan on July 31 at 3 p.m. ET (via Spotrac's Keith Smith). Finally, the U.S. will conclude the group stage with a game against Puerto Rico on Aug. 3 at 11:15 a.m. ET.
The United States will face a tough opponent to begin the tournament, as Serbia has several NBA players on its roster and previously earned a silver medal during the 2016 Olympics. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić headlines the team, which also includes Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic and Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanović.
South Sudan also boasts multiple current and former NBA players such as Phoenix Suns forward Bol Bol and Hornets guard JT Thor as well as former Milwaukee Bucks center Thon Maker.
As for Puerto Rico, the team is led by New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado. Alvarado finished with 23 points on Sunday night, defeating Lithuania and earning a spot in the Games.
FIBA @FIBAJose Alvarado scores 23 points to lead Puerto Rico to secure their ticket to Paris and earn <a href="https://twitter.com/TCL_Brand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TCL_Brand</a> Player of the Game! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAOQT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAOQT</a> <a href="https://t.co/xZjTpFPVks">pic.twitter.com/xZjTpFPVks</a>
Still, the U.S. should have a strong chance to repeat as gold medalists with a star-studded roster. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Joel Embiid will all help Team USA attempt to secure a spot on top of the podium in Paris.
The United States' journey to Paris will begin with training camp in Las Vegas as well as five exhibition matches to prepare for the Olympics. The first showcase game will take place on Wednesday against Canada. Tip-off is at 10:30 p.m. ET.