Argentina vs. Lithuania: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info & Basketball Preview

In what might be the most compelling matchup for the opening day of men's basketball at the 2012 Olympics, Argentina and Lithuania will battle to get an early edge in Group A.

With powerhouse United States looming in that group, neither of these medal hopefuls can realistically lose this game with those hopes on anything but early life support. We'll take a look at the matchup, but first, check out how and when to catch the action. 

When: Sunday, July 29 at 5:15 p.m. ET

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

TV Info: NBCSN

Preview

Argentina's Manu Ginobili is healthy and ready to go, and when that happens, he produces. Ginobili is a fantastic play maker whose skills seem even more well-suited to the international game than they are the NBA.

Ginobili is not a one man team either. Argentina also features Carlos Delfino to patrol the perimeter with Ginobili and Luis Scola to clean up down low. Andres Nocioni has also done a fine job at small forward for Argentina. 

These four help to give their team a starting lineup that Lithuania cannot compete with, despite Lithuania's superior depth. 

Outside of Linas Kleiza, there isn't a name that NBA fans are likely to recognize on Lithuania's roster, but this is a team that can comfortably go 10 deep. They need to try and accentuate this advantage by creating a fast-paced game while trying to force Argentina into foul trouble. 

Argentina had just six players play more than 11 minutes against the United States, a game they lost by only six, and just three of those players had more than eight points. 

Prediction: Argentina 87, Lithuania 79

Argentina has too many weapons for Lithuania. They can score on the outside or in the interior. This will stretch Lithuania's defense, and open up things for Ginobili to do damage like only he can do. 

Still, this should be a fun and competitive game, but Argentina will never be in a real danger of losing.