Team USA Basketball 2012: Olympic Group Schedule and Predictions

Looking to repeat first place at the 2012 Summer Olympics, the U.S. men's basketball team certainly has a golden opportunity with superstars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant leading the way.

For Team USA to defend their 2008 gold medal, getting through group play is the first step. Beginning on July 29, let's take a look at the group schedule and view some bold predictions en route to remaining on top of the world.

Basketball group schedule courtesy of London2012.com and USABasketball.com.

Note: BST stands for British Summer Time zone and is five hours ahead of EST.

Schedule

vs. France (July 29, 2:30pm BST)

vs. Tunisia (July 31, 10:15pm BST)

vs. Nigeria (August 2, 10:15pm BST)

vs. Lithuania (August 4, 2:30pm BST)

vs. Argentina (August 6, 10:15pm BST)

Predictions

Game 1 vs. France

The French have some familiar NBA faces, such as Tony Parker and Boris Diaw of the San Antonio Spurs. Nicolas Batum is another guy to watch for after another strong season in the NBA, so France has some impressive starting talent.

Parker remains one of the better point guards, and the combo of Batum and Diaw will produce elsewhere. Batum can contribute at either small forward or shooting guard, so expect him to see a lot of minutes. Diaw is an underrated big man and paired with Ronny Turiaf creates a solid frontcourt.

The downside for France, however, is that they are nowhere near as deep as Team USA. It'll be a close match early on, but the Americans will pull away in the second half courtesy of rotational players like Deron Williams and Andre Iguodala.

Team USA over France

Game 2 vs. Tunisia

The 2012 London Games are the first Summer Olympics appearance for the Tunisia men's basketball team.

And although it's difficult to believe a country making its first Olympic appearance could compete with Team USA, Tunisia enters with confidence after having won the 2011 FIBA Africa Championship. The win was a berth in the Olympics, and now Tunisia gets to face the likes of LeBron, Kobe and Kevin Durant.

Team USA's toughest challenge will be scoring, as Tunisia is a solid defensive team. In winning the gold at the 2011 FIBA championship, Tunisia allowed just 53.5 points per game. Now, FIBA also only plays 10-minute periods instead of four, but eight extra minutes won't change much regarding Tunisia's defense.

Therefore, as long as the Americans push the pace and are effective in the rotation they will surely win.

Team USA over Tunisia

Game 3 vs. Nigeria

Just like Tunisia, Nigeria qualified to compete in its first Summer Olympics basketball games. Forward Al-Farouq Aminu is the only Nigerian currently playing in the NBA, so it will be tough for them to match up against the U.S., Argentina and France in Group A.

That said, Nigeria has decent scoring off the bench (mostly guard Adeola Dagunduro) and presents an impressive defense when on their A-game. Without much explosion on the offensive side, though, it will be challenging for Nigeria to contend.

They match up respectably well in size, but Team USA's athleticism and experience will just be too much.

Team USA over Nigeria

Game 4 vs. Lithuania

Lithuania is making their sixth Olympic appearance; however, they have not won a medal since the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia (bronze). Optimistically though, the Lithuanians swept through the qualifying tournament and do enter with a solid amount of confidence.

Jonas Valančiūnas is easily their best player after having been selected No. 5 overall in the 2011 NBA draft. Certainly more of an offensive team than Nigeria or Tunisia, Lithuania has the talent to match anyone's pace.

Unfortunately, they aren't the most defensively dominant team and their rebounding is a weakness. Team USA will handle them well courtesy of more athletes and a stronger defensive presence in the frontcourt.

Team USA over Lithuania

Game 5 vs. Argentina

Here's a team that the Americans would love to defeat heavily in group play. Argentina has only made six Summer Olympics appearances, but they won gold in 2004 and took bronze in 2008.

Easily one of the better and more consistent countries other than America, Argentina solidified an Olympic bid after winning the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship. With notable NBA players in Luis Scola and Manu Ginobili, Argentina will be a strong team in London.

Still, much like the rest of the group, no one matches up with Team USA's overall talent and depth. Provided that Ginobili gets isolated, America will gradually take over at the end of each half. If there's one team who can compete with Team USA, though, Argentina has the potential depth to do so.

Team USA over Argentina

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