Spain vs Russia Olympic Basketball Semifinal: TV Start Time, Live Stream & More

With the United States taking on Argentina in one men's basketball semifinal, most would consider the other semi between Spain and Russia to be a forgotten game of sorts. With that said, this contest is of great importance to the two nations involved as a win guarantees a spot on the podium.

Spain entered the London Olympics as the favorite to take on the United States in the gold-medal match as it pushed the Americans to the limit in Beijing. That may still ultimately happen, but Spain surprisingly suffered two losses in pool play and finished behind Russia in Group B.

The Russians and Spaniards have played once already with Russia coming out on top by just three points, but nothing that happened earlier in the tournament matters at this point.

Here is your complete guide for when and where to watch the semi-final tilt between Spain and Russia, as well as what to watch for in the elimination matchup.

Where: North Greenwich Arena in London, England

When: Friday, Aug. 10 at 12 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Spain's Key Player to Watch: Pau Gasol

Spain hasn't been anywhere near as impressive as it was back in 2008, but that hasn't been the fault of power forward Pau Gasol. It was quite obvious heading into London that the Los Angeles Lakers star would be La Roja's key player and that has held true thus far. Gasol is averaging 18.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game through six contests, and Spain will need him to continue imposing his will when it plays Russia.

Gasol would be Spain's go-to guy regardless of the opponent, but he should be utilized even more when you take into account Russia's weak interior. Both Timofey Mozgov and Sasha Kaun have had a solid tournament for the Russians, but neither is anywhere near the caliber of player that Gasol is. Add to that the fact that Pau will have his brother, Marc, as well as Serge Ibaka helping him out inside, and it is clear that Gasol will be put in positions to succeed.

Russia's Key Player to Watch: Andrei Kirilenko

Few knew what to make of the Russian team as it isn't exactly littered with NBA talent, but long-time Utah Jazz star and new Minnesota Timberwolves signee Andrei Kirilenko has led them to within one win of a medal. Kirilenko has become more of a stat-stuffer than a pure scorer at this stage in his career, but he realizes that he has to carry the load on this team. Because of that, he is the leading scorer at 18.3 points per game, but he has continued to play stellar defense as well with over seven boards per tilt.

Kirilenko has a couple decent supporting options on offense in Mozgov and Alexey Shved, but he is the only one capable of taking over a game. Spain's biggest weakness is definitely its lack of quality wing players, so Kirilenko should have space to operate on the offensive end and can influence the game defensively, too. Spain is favored slightly despite its loss to Russia earlier in the tournament, but Kirilenko holds the key to another Russian upset.

Prediction

Russia's run has been one of the best stories of the men's basketball tournament in these Olympics, but I feel as though their run will come to an end in the semis. Russia plays a solid team game and Spain has been out of sorts thus far, but the talent edge clearly goes to the Spaniards and I expect that to finally come to fruition in this game.

If Spain is able to get the ball into the paint so that it's trio of high-level bigs can do damage, then Russia is going to have some trouble. One way Russia can turn the tide in its favor is by knocking down its shots from long range, but I don't anticipate that being enough to knock off the defending silver medalists.

The United States figures to win its semifinal matchup, setting up a rematch from Beijing that Team USA should win again. As for Russia, it would then face Argentina for bronze in a game that I would favor the Russians in.

These teams may be playing for second, but a medal of any kind would be huge for either nation. Spain will secure one with a 77-72 victory.

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