Russia vs. Argentina: Top Stars to Watch in Bronze-Medal Olympic Basketball Game

Before Team USA and Spain square off in the gold-medal battle that everyone expected going into the Olympics, Russia and Argentina play in a bronze-medal game that should be every bit as competitive. 

Led by a stifling defense, Russia surprised many during the group stage before bowing out against Spain. For Argentina, Manu Ginobili continued to show why he's one of the best international players in the world before running into the Team USA buzz saw.

Now, pride and a spot on the podium are at stake as the two nations play their last 40 minutes of Olympic basketball.

These are the stars you should be watching.  

Vitaliy Fridzon

Vitaly Fridzon has been one of Russia's top scorers coming off the bench, playing alongside Timofey Mozgov to pace the second unit.

The combo guard primarily plays shooting guard and will be faced with the difficult task of slowing Manu Ginobili while still finding his offense.

Fridzon has already nailed a game-winner at the Olympics and another one might be necessary if the Russians are going to be able to take down the Argentines and find themselves on the medal podium.  

Manu Ginobili

Manu Ginobili has been the best player on Argentina's squad, stepping up as he continues to establish himself as one of the greatest international players in Olympic history. 

The left-handed shooting guard is slippery on offense, getting into the lane and drawing fouls when he can't twist his way to a creative finish. If he isn't driving, he's using his handles to step back and create space for a three-pointer, or hitting open teammates with pinpoint accuracy. 

Manu isn't the world's best defender, but he's capable of being a pest and causing Russia's turnover-prone ball-handlers to live up to their reputations for coughing up the rock. 

Andrei Kirilenko

The versatile forward seems to be using the Olympics as a springboard toward a lot of playing time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. If he can play like this, Chase Budinger won't be able to hold him out of the starting lineup when the NBA season begins. 

Andrei Kirilenko has been everywhere for the Russians. He's contributed to the scoring total with dunks and three-pointers, crashed the boards relentlessly, sparked the sensational Russian defense and provided veteran leadership. 

He's actually managed to lead the squad in points, rebounds, blocks and steals through Russia's first seven games. 

If Kirilenko isn't playing up to his normal standards, this game will turn into a blowout. Kirilenko must improve upon his 2-of-12 brickfest against Spain. 

Pablo Prigioni

Although he won't hesitate to fire from the three-point arc if he's left open, Pablo Prigioni's primary role isn't scoring the basketball for the Argentines. 

He's much more of an annoyance on defense and a fantastic distributor of the basketball. The 35-year-old floor general isn't the flashiest player, but he always makes the right decisions and limits his turnovers at all times. 

If Prigioni is able to drive past Russia's backcourt and distribute the ball to his teammates from the interior of his opponent's defense, Argentina will be able to score with ease against a tough Russian unit. 

Alexey Shved

Even though Andrei Kirilenko is Russia's best player, Alexey Shved is the most important one. 

When the long-haired point guard is hitting shots from the outside and taking care of the ball, his team is awfully difficult to beat. However, if he's trying to be too showy, he can start racking up the turnovers and putting his team out of the running. 

Through seven games, Shed has racked up 40 assists, but he's also turned the ball over 24 times. 

The incoming Minnesota Timberwolf must show a lot of care when the rock is in his hands, particularly when Manu Ginobili and the other members of the Argentine backcourt are trying to poke it away or step into the passing lanes. 

Luis Scola

The tough and physical power forward is going to have to play well throughout the game against Andrei Kirilenko, Timofey Mozgov and the rest of Russia's frontcourt. 

Scola and Manu Ginobili have been the two top scorers for Argentina going into the bronze-medal game, and he'll have to continue to use his post moves and mid-range jumper to add to the tally for his team. 

That said, Scola isn't the greatest defender on his team, and he'll have to step up his efforts on that side of the court.