Rio 2016 Olympics: What to Watch on Summer Games' Opening Weekend Schedule

After months of shoddy planning and problems piling up in Rio, the 2016 Summer Olympics need a rousing start.

An event meant to unite the world through sports has instead become an easy target for critics who wonder if the Games warrant the massive cost and safety issues. Those worries are understandable, but they also may wane once everyone watches the world's best athletes compete at the highest level for individual and national pride.

The Olympics will kick into gear following Friday night's opening ceremony. Once the pageantry passes, everyone can settle in for a loaded weekend with multiple medals on the line.

Let's take a look at some of the most intriguing events commencing the Rio Games.

For the full Olympic schedule, check out NBCOlympics.com.

Event(s)	Time (ET)	TV
Saturday, August 6
Rowing, Cycling (Men's Road Race), Water Polo	8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	NBC
Archery, Shooting, Beach Volleyball	9 a.m. - 12 p.m.	NBCSN
Tennis	9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.	Bravo
Cycling (Men's Road Race), Swimming	10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.	NBC
Volleyball, Rugby	12 p.m. - 1 p.m.	NBCSN
Beach Volleyball, Handball	12 p.m - 2:30 p.m.	MSNBC
Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Water Polo	1 p.m. - 4 p.m.	NBCSN
Women's Soccer (USA vs. France)	4 p.m. - 6 p.m.	NBCSN
Field Hockey (USA vs. Argentina)	4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.	USA
Volleyball (USA vs. Puerto Rico)	4:15 p.m. - 6 p.m.	NBC
Rugby, Soccer	5 p.m. - 8 p.m.	CNBC
Men's Basketball (USA vs. China)	6 p.m. - 8 p.m.	NBCSN
Gymnastics, Swimming, Beach Volleyball	8 p.m. - 12 a.m.	NBC
Sunday, August 7
Beach Volleyball, Archery	9 a.m. - 11 a.m.	NBCSN
Tennis	9:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.	Bravo
Beach Volleyball, Rowing, Cycling (Women's Road Race)	10 a.m. - 12 p.m.	NBC
Rugby, Volleyball	12 p.m. - 2 p.m.	USA
Swimming, Cycling (Women's Road Race)	12 p.m. - 3 p.m.	NBC
Beach Volleyball, Equestrian, Fencing	2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.	MSNBC
Men's Volleyball (USA vs. Canada)	4:15 p.m. - 6 p.m.	NBC
Archery, Men's Basketball	5 p.m. - 8 p.m.	NBCSN
Diving, Gymnastics, Swimming	7 p.m. - 12 a.m.	NBC

U.S. Basketball Squads Start Quest for More Gold

The United States' stranglehold over Olympic basketball is no secret. The men have taken home gold in five of six tries since professionals were allowed to participate. To lesser fanfare, the women's squad has earned gold five straight times.

Even without LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard, head coach Mike Krzyzewski is well-positioned to guide a young, athletic roster to a three-peat.

Kevin Durant will join future Golden State Warriors teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, who witnessed Team USA partner Kyrie Irving reach new heights during the NBA Finals. While Carmelo Anthony will likely never lead the New York Knicks to a championship, he's poised to play a huge role in Rio.

The team's 32-year-old elder statesman has a chance to break records while becoming the first player to earn a third gold medal. In an Associated Press report (via USA Today), Krzyzewski outlined Anthony's significance to the team.

“He’s going to be the leader of this team along with (Durant)," Krzyzewski said. "And to have somebody who, this will be his fourth Olympics, that level of experience—and he’s still a great player—and commitment, it’s a godsend, really. He’ll be one of key factors in us attempting to win the gold medal.”

Jessica Hill/Associated Press

Anthony and Co. will begin preliminary play against China on Saturday night. The following afternoon, the women's team will look to establish its dominance against Senegal.

University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma will see a lot of familiar faces on a juggernaut featuring five former Huskies. In Friday's 83-43 exhibition win over Canada in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he started all of them.

Like the Huskies, who steamrolled their way to an undefeated season and fourth straight title, the women's national team enters with gold-or-bust expectations.

The roster also features six of the WNBA's seven leading scorers, highlighted by Tina Charles and Olympic neophyte Elena Delle Donne. Also new to the squad, Brittney Griner and four-time NCAA champion Breanna Stewart provide ample rebounding and rim protection.

Despite Candace Parker's notable omission, this team might be the best one yet. Look for the women to put on a show against their first victim this weekend.

Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky Headline Swim Relays

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Every Olympic swimming meet will be high on the list of events for fans to watch, especially with so many top athletes competing.

A legendary Olympian and teenage sensation will each begin the quest for multiple gold medals early. According to USA Today's Christine Brennan, Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky are scheduled to partake in the 4x100-meter freestyle relays this weekend. 

Phelps, an 18-time gold medalist, needs little introduction before his fifth Olympics. Allow B/R to offer a refresher anyway:

Eight years ago, his incredible start helped Team USA win the freestyle relay. Jason Lezak's last-second rally narrowly seized gold from France, once again a top contender this time around.

But before leading the U.S. into the pool, the 31-year-old will receive the flag-bearing honors during the opening ceremony, which he addressed on Twitter and Instagram:

Everyone must wait until Sunday night for Phelps' return. On Saturday afternoon, Ledecky will lead the women into a meet with the makings of an epic bout against Australia. 

Four years ago, the then-high school athlete shocked everyone by winning the 800-meter freestyle in London. It'd be a bigger upset if the 19-year-old didn't make multiple trips to the podium in Rio.

The holder of 11 world records could steal Phelps' spotlight as this summer's top swimming star. USA Swimming Stats highlighted Ledecky's record-setting times over the past three years:

She already has a head start on Phelps, who captured six gold medals at age 19. By the end of the summer, Ledecky could add four or five more to her mantle.