Olympics 2012 TV Schedule: Highlighting Top Events for Week 1

The 2012 Summer Olympics are just about here.

The Opening Ceremonies of the Games of the 30th Olympiad will commence Friday in London, kicking off the highly anticipated sporting spectacle that Americans (and the rest of the world) cherish so much.

So as we all prepare to kick back, relax and take in awe-inspiring thrills from the London Olympic Games this week, let's preview some of the most exciting events on the schedule.

*Note: All events can be watched LIVE via NBC's live stream site.

Event: Men's Swimming—400m IM Finals

Date: Saturday, July 28

Time: 2:30 p.m. (EST)

TV Info: NBC Live Stream at 2:30 p.m. (EST) or NBC (tape-delay) at 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Preview: The Men's 400m IM Final is the first swim for Michael Phelps, which kicks off his pursuit of becoming the world's most-decorated Olympian.

The race should prove to be an enthralling first duel between Phelps and teammate Ryan Lochte in a more-than-likely two man showdown for the gold medal. Lochte beat Phelps in this event at the U.S. Trials, but Michael still holds the world record. 

Event: Men's Basketball—USA vs. France

Date: Sunday, July 29

Time: 9:20 a.m. (EST)

TV Info: NBC Live Stream, NBC Sports Network

Preview: The newest, and perhaps last edition of the the Dream Team opens up Olympic play with a preliminary round game against France.

A highly anticipated game should result in a win for the more talented U.S. squad, but the French are led by NBA All-Star Tony Parker as well as fellow NBA players Boris Diaw and Nicolas Batum. 

Event: Women's Volleyball—USA vs. Brazil

Date: Monday, July 30

Time: 11:45 a.m. (EST)

TV Info: NBC Live Stream, NBC

Preview: The U.S. women's volleyball team enters the 2012 London Games as the No. 1 ranked volleyball team in the world. 

They will be looking to do something that no U.S. women's volleyball team has ever done before—win a gold medal. Challenges will be present early and often, however, especially in this preliminary match against defending Olympic champion Brazil. 

Event: Women's Gymnastics—Team Final

Date: Tuesday, July 31

Time: 11:30 a.m. (EST)

TV Info: NBC Live Stream at 11:30 a.m (EST), or NBC (tape-delay) at 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Preview: The heavily favored U.S. women's gymnastics team heads into these Olympic Games with a huge target on their backs.

As the defending world team champions, the pressure could not be much higher to bring home their first Olympic team gold in the sport since 1996.

Event: Men's Volleyball—USA vs. Brazil

Date: Thursday, August 2

Time: 3:00 p.m. (EST)

TV Info: NBC Live Stream, NBC

Preview: The U.S. men's volleyball team enters the 2012 London Games looking to defend their gold medal from Beijing.

That 2008 team rallied against all odds, despite the tragic death of head coach Hugh McCutcheon's father-in-law in Beijing, to upset this same Brazil squad. 

Event: Men's Swimming—200 IM Final

Date: Thursday, August 2

Time: 3:16 p.m. (EST)

TV Info: NBC Live Stream at 3:16 p.m. (EST), or NBC (tape-delay) at 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Preview: It's Lochte versus Phelps take two in what is sure to be yet another exciting race.

Lochte beat Phelps in this event at the 2011 World Championships, but don't think for a second that Phelps will leave his last Olympics without a dogfight.

Event: Women's Swimming—200m Backstroke Final

Date: Friday, August 3

Time: 2:30 p.m. (EST)

TV Info: NBC Live Stream at 2:30 p.m. (EST), or NBC (tape-delay) at 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Preview: With all of the swimming talk centered around Lochte and Phelps, what has gone largely unnoticed is that 17-year-old Missy Franklin could easily swim away with the most Olympic medals for any swimmer in London. 

Be sure to tune in as she looks to take gold in one of her signature swims, the 200m backstroke.