Spain vs. China: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info & Olympics Basketball Preview

After losing to the United States in its last Olympic tune up, Spain will be looking to send a message to the rest of the Olympic field in their opening matchup against China.

With a wealth of NBA and international experience, Spain figures to be one of the few teams that could actually challenge the United States in the medal rounds under the right circumstances and should have no problems advancing past group play. 

China comes into the games as an underdog after winning the 2011 Asian tournament to secure an Olympic berth. Here's a closer look at this match and the ways you can catch the action from London.

Where: Olympic Park Basketball Arena, London, England

When: Sunday, July 29 at 11:45 a.m. ET

Watch: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Player to Watch: Juan Carlos Navarro

Spain's greatest strength are its bigs. Their depth in the frontcourt with Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol and Pau Gasol is matched by no one in the Olympic field. However, the real key for Spain to have a successful run at these games will rely on the backcourt spreading the floor with their perimeter play to make the most of their size.

Juan Carlos Navarro is the Spanish team captain, and will need to play even better than he did in the Spaniards tune-up game against the Americans. In Spain's 100-78 blowout loss, Navarro shot 2/3 from behind the arc and scored 11 points. 

The Chinese greatest strength is also their size—China has five players on the roster that are over 6'9", including three seven-footers. With China able to pack the lane on defense, it will be up to Navarro and the other Spanish wings to knock down open shots and force the defense out.

Matchup to Watch: Yi Jianlian vs. Spain's Frontcourt

China will go as far in these Olympics as Yi Jianlian will take them. The former first round selection hasn't done much in his NBA career, but internationally he's a much better player internationally.

Jianlian was the Fiba Asia Championships MVP as he led China to an unlikely tournament championship behind his strong 16.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG and 1.4 BPG line. Clearly, Jianlian's game plays much better on the international stage, but it will be interesting to see how he matches up with a frontcourt filled with NBA talent. 

Can Jianlian keep China in the game?

Prediction: Spain 90-China 72