The USA men’s basketball team start their quest for the gold medal two days after the Opening Ceremony in Tokyo on July 25. They will compete with 12 teams in the initial Group Phase which includes Slovenia, who is making history thanks to Dallas Mavericks superstar, Luka Doncic.
Team USA is slotted to play against Group A opponents such as France, Iran, and the Czech Republic in order to qualify for the single-elimination Final Phase starting on August 3. The first and second-place teams in each group and the two best third-place teams overall advance to the single-elimination Final Phase.
Here’s Team USA’s full schedule for the Tokyo Olympics (via NBA.com):
| Sunday, July 25 | USA vs. France | 8 a.m. ET |
| Wednesday, July 28 | USA vs. Iran | 12:40 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, July 31 | USA vs. Czech Republic | 8 a.m. ET |
| Tuesday, Aug. 3 | Men’s Quarterfinals | — |
| Thursday, Aug. 5 | Men’s Semifinals | — |
| Friday, Aug. 6 | Men’s Gold Medal Game | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, Aug. 7 | Men’s Bronze Medal Game | 7 a.m. ET |
Having an opportunity to claim a fourth straight gold medal after winning in 2008, 2012 and 2016, Team USA’s start has not been without mixed results.
First, Team USA lost its first two exhibition games in Las Vegas to Nigeria and Australia before bouncing back to defeat Argentina and Spain. Then more changes to the 12 man roster happened as Bradley Beal dropped out due to health and safety protocols and Kevin Love left due to a calf injury. They were replaced by JaVale McGee and Keldon Johnson.
Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton will be available for the team’s opener against France.
