Olympic Basketball 2012: Favorites Will Each Be Tested in Final Group Game

We are entering the heart of Olympic basketball competition. Monday's games are the final group tilts for the men, and they also happen to present the stiffest challenges to this year's top squads.

I'm not talking about medal favorites based on group standings. Russia has eight points to lead Group B, but you're not going to convince me they're better than Spain or Brazil.

This is about the the Olympic tournament's top contenders based on pure, unbridled ability. In that case there are two major clashes on Monday, August 6. Spain's matchup with Brazil pits two of the world's better frontcourts against each other, and the United States will get a stiff challenge from Argentina.

Let's take a look at each one.

Spain vs. Brazil

The Gasol brothers and Serge Ibaka create a menacing trio in the center of Spain's lineup on both ends of the floor, but Brazil isn't far behind. Nene, Anderson Varejao and Tiago Splitter can neutralize Spain's production in the paint better than most.

I'm not saying the Brazilian forwards are as talented, because they aren't, but they are strong, gritty players. Nene hasn't met a rebound he didn't want, and the same goes for Varejao. Splitter is still developing, but he has shown promise on the offensive end.

These teams are each 3-1 in group play thus far. Brazil's margin of victory is more impressive, but Spain is usually who you think of when you think "favorite."

That shouldn't be the case. Brazil has the muscle to slow Spain's big men down plus two playmakers in their backcourt (Leandro Barbosa and Marcelinho Huertas) to hamper the production of Rudy Fernandez and Jose Calderon.

This game will be tight from start to finish. The winner will emerge as the top threat to Team USA's gold-medal dreams.

Argentina vs. USA

Team USA sneaked by Lithuania in their previous matchup, and Argentina will provide an even stiffer challenge.

Argentina is 3-1 in Group A play thus far. They are nipping at the United States' heels, and they have the talent to pull the upset in Group A's finale.

Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni and Carlos Delfino form a solid nucleus. Ginobili spreads the floor with his dynamic scoring ability. Delfino is the spot-up shooter. Nocioni is an excellent face-up forward, and Scola has an underrated low-post repertoire.

As individuals Team USA's athleticism would overwhelm any of these players, but as a group these players will give the Americans fits. Each player fills a role, and Scola's interior presence will create problems for Team USA on the block.

Expect Team USA to win this one, but it will be another stiff challenge before we enter quarterfinal action in London. Argentina will test Team USA's discipline, focus and ability to play versatile basketball.