Australia and Spain will kick-off the men’s hoop action in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Can the Aussies continue their rise?

Catch the game this Saturday at 5:00 PM, Manila time.

Australia (0-0)

Starting five:

  • Josh Giddey
  • Dante Exum
  • Josh Green
  • Jock Landale
  • Duop Reath

The Boomers took home the bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and now hope their Paris stint ends up even better. They did well in the tune-up games, picking up wins against China, France, and Serbia, while also losing a close 92-88 battle vs. Team USA.

Eight NBA players are in Team Australia, with Josh Giddey being one of the key weapons. He remains a Swiss-Army knife with his versatility, and should be able to lead the offense with his scoring and passing. Shooters Josh Green, Dante Exum, and elder statesman Patty Mills, meanwhile, headline the barrage from outside. Youngster Dyson Daniels, who just got traded to the Atlanta Hawks from the New Orleans Pelicans, is in his first Men’s Olympics stint, will be contributing with his energy on both ends.

Finally, there’s Jock Landale and Duop Reath manning the paint, and both are sure to toss their weight around like they did in the showcase contests.

Spain (0-0)

Starting five:

  • Lorenzo Brown
  • Sergio Llull
  • Juan Hernangomez
  • Santi Aldama
  • Willy Hernangomez

The Spaniards are on a mission to get back some respect as they failed to medal in Tokyo after having bronze in 2016 and silver in 2012 and 2008, both of which featured good challenges opposite Team USA.

Spain had an exciting run in the Olympic qualifiers just weeks ago, and before collecting a couple of good wins in the friendly games – one was a cardiac, 72-72 victory over Argentina, and one was a one-sided, 107-84 beatdown on Puerto Rico.

Memphis Grizzlies stretch four Santi Aldama is among the top names, followed by the Hernangomez brothers, Willy and Juancho, who can both likewise contribute in the paint and from beyond the arc. Veteran Olympian Sergio Llull, now 37, is possibly there for the last time, so he has some extra motivation. 

NBA journeyman Usman Garuba, who’s currently with the Golden State Warriors, is one to watch out for. He brings athleticism, muscle, and a whole lot of energy.

PICKS:

Spread: Australia (-4.5)

Over/Under: Over (166)