Rio Olympics (Photo : Getty Images)
Gold-medal favorite Team USA and surprising medal contender Australia gun for a 2-0 record in the Group A standings, while France looks to bounce back from their sloppy play on Day 1, as men's basketball action resumes on Monday.
USA vs. Venezuela at 6:00 p.m US EST - Live Stream / Replay & Boxscore
After dominating china for third time in three weeks, United States men's basketball team plunges back to action on Monday when they take on Venezuela, which is apparently one of the teams they destroyed during their impeccable buildup for the Rio Olympics.
Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, Carmelo Anthony and the rest of Team USA just sent a statement to the rest of their rivals after scoring a 119-62 win over China on the opening day. Team USA shot nearly 60 percent from the field, getting key contributions from different personnel. They also had an outstanding job defensively as they contained China to just under 39 percent.
The Americans will again find themselves in similar situation against Venezuela, which is coming off 86-62 loss to Serbia. Gregory Echenique, who posted 12 points and 5 rebounds, needs to double up his production if he wants to give Venezuela a fight chance against Team USA. In the end, Team USA's superfluous talents will reign supreme. Prediction: USA by 40+ points.
Australia vs. Serbia at 1:15 p.m US EST - Live Stream / Replay & Boxscores
Without a doubt the most intriguing match on Monday, Australia looks to prove that their 87-66 over France isn't a fluke, while Serbia wants to keep their unblemished record intact as well.
The Aussies made a statement right off the bat following their huge upset against a team tabbed as the likely final foe for the Americans in this Olympics. Andrew Bogut recorded 18 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the Australians in the opener. In the game against Serbia, Australia needs more then Bogut production to give them a shot at beating this very rugged squad.
Miroslav Raduljica had 18 points and 4 board in the opening game, but he's expected to get some help from Bogdan Bogdanovic and Milos Teodosic. Again, this is going to be an interesting game that features contrasting style of play, but I feel the Serbian have the edge in this one because of their tall, highly-physical frontline. Prediction: Serbia by -10 points.
France vs. China at 9:30 p.m US EST - Live Stream / Replay & Boxscores
After absorbing an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Australia, France is expected to come out with different mindset heading into their game against China. Mikael Gelabale was the lone bright spot for France in the opener, recording 13 points and 4 rebounds.
While China isn't going to be much of a threat against France (that's for sure), Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert need to bounce back from that their horrible performance on the opening day to gain momentum heading into the tougher phase of the tournament. Prediction: France by +20 points
