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

The only two undefeated basketball teams in Group B will battle for the opportunity to not play Team USA until the finals.

Although this is still the preliminary stage and both Spain and Russia will reach the quarterfinal round, winning the group allows the team to stay on the other side of the bracket from the American team that scored 156 points in its recent win over Nigeria.

Both teams are coming off one-point wins in their last match, meaning they will each have to step up their efforts in order to remained undefeated in this competition.

Where: Basketball Arena, London

When: August 4, 6:15 a.m.

TV: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

What They're Saying

Although both teams won by only one point in their previous game, they have very different feelings about the wins.

Spain never trailed against Great Britain but crumbled at the end and had to hold on with clutch free-throw shooting by Jose Calderon. According to AFP, Spain coach Sergio Scariolo to the media, "When you lose your focus and concentration, you really get in trouble."

Russia, on the other hand, had a great comeback win to upset Brazil. Vitaly Fridzon hit a three-point shot with four seconds remaining to take the lead. 

After the game he said,  "Wins like this give the team a lot of confidence. We showed that we will never give up."

It will be interesting to see how each team response in the next game.

Key Matchup: Timofey Mozgov vs. Pau Gasol

Spain has one of the best frontcourts in the world with Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. For a team to beat them, they need to be able to stay tough inside and rebound well.

Timofey Mozgov came off the bench in the last game, but he finished with 18 points and seven rebounds while missing only one of his nine shots from the floor. For Russia to win, he needs to have a similar performance while playing solid defense.

Gasol has been steady throughout the international season, but he is so important to the team that they will struggle if he has an off game. The winner of this inside battle will likely lead his team to victory.

Prediction

Spain is the more talented team, but it needs more production from the frontcourt. The Gasol brothers and Serge Ibaka only combined for nine rebounds against Great Britain. That will not be enough against a team like Russia.

Andrei Kirilenko will take his defender to the perimeter with his shooting ability, but the rest of the players on the floor need to pick up the slack.

Russia has had an impressive run so far and will be a contender for a medal. Unfortunately, they have not yet played anyone of Spain's caliber and will come up short.

Spain 78, Russia 72

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