Olympics 2012 TV Schedule: When and Where to Watch Team USA Basketball

LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant led Team USA, aptly dubbed the "Redeem Team," to the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, which means they once again have enormous targets on their back. 

The 2012 version of the Team USA is loaded with talent. Three-time NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant and his teammate Russell Westbrook add supreme athleticism to the backcourt, while rebounding machine Kevin Love and this year's Defensive Player of the year Tyson Chandler will man the painted area. 

The team went 5-0 in exhibition play, and although they were threatened by Brazil and Argentina, they were never truly in a position to lose. To end their Olympic tune-up, they dominated a gifted Spanish team 100-78. 

Here's a complete viewing guide to their run at a second-straight Olympic gold: 

Group Play

Sunday, July 29 – USA vs. France – 9:30 a.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Tuesday, July 31 – Tunisia vs. USA – 5:15 p.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Thursday, August 2 – USA vs. Nigeria – 5:15 p.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Saturday, August 4 – Lithuania vs. USA – 9:30 a.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Monday, August 6 – USA vs. Argentina – 5:15 p.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

France will play with Tony Parker, but an injured Joakim Noah will not play. Their final game against Argentina won't be easy, as they only beat the Argentinians 86-80 in their exhibition. However, the gap in overall talent was clear. 

Knockout Round

Wednesday, August 8

Quarterfinal Game 1 – 9:00 a.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Quarterfinal Game 2 – 11:15 a.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Quarterfinal Game 3 – 2:45 p.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Quarterfinal Game 4 – 5:15 p.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Friday, August 10

Semifinal Game 1 – 12:00 p.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Semifinal Game 2 – 3:45 p.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Sunday, August 12

Bronze Medal Game – 6:00 a.m. ET – NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Gold Medal Game – 10:00 a.m. ET – Live on NBC, NBCSN, NBC Basketball

Spain will most likely pose the biggest threat to the Americans, as the Gasol tandem inside is a formidable one. If the U.S. pressures the Spanish guards and creates turnovers that lead to transition points, they'll cruise to victory.