Team USA secured their place in the quarter-finals, finishing top of their group after comfortably defeating Puerto Rico. This result means that they will face Brazil who came third in group B behind France and Germany.
Anthony Edwards flourished in the previous game and scored an impressive 26 points in only 15 minutes on the court. This performance solidified his team’s victory and has proven that any player can make a huge impact on Team USA.
The tournament favourites also defeated a solid Serbia side who were led by three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic. He was held to only twenty points in the matchup and was forced to rely on his passing and playmaking abilities for Serbia to have a chance against the basketball powerhouses.
Team USA then came up against South Sudan who were massive underdogs in the tournament. They fought hard throughout the game, proving to be a reasonable threat. However, Bam Adebayo’s 18 points and seven rebounds crushed their hopes.
Brazil had a tough start to the Olympic Games, being held to only 66 points and losing to the hosts France. Wembanyama’s size and ability were too much for the team to contain, resulting in a twelve-point gap at the end of the fourth quarter.
This loss would not be their last as Germany defeated them three days later, once again struggling to put the ball in the basket. Yago Santos’ best efforts with 18 points and eight assists were not enough to pick up a result against the undefeated team.
Their final game and first victory came against Japan to narrowly squeeze through to the knockout stages. Bruno Caboclo’s accuracy from range, scoring all four of his shots from beyond the arc and finishing with an incredible 33 points, meant that Brazil finished the game 18 points ahead of their opposition.
Players to watch
Anthony Edwards has proven to be a fearless scorer when called upon and will hope to replicate that once again in this matchup. His explosiveness and athleticism mean he can quickly make his way towards the basket.
The 23-year-old has had a great season in the NBA, averaging 25.9 points per night with over five rebounds and assists. This proves that young talent can make a huge impact on the team.
Joel Embiid has slowly improved over the last three games, gaining more minutes on the court. He scored 15 points in the previous game and will be eager to build on this improved performance.
Later in the competition, his size could be crucial in the paint. Embiid will have to utilise his height and weight by dominating close to the basket and cutting off any opportunities that Brazil have to score.
The previously mentioned Bruno Caboclo has proven why he deserves more minutes. His comfortability shooting from different areas makes him a dangerous player who the USA will struggle to contain.
At 28 years old, the power forward has reasonable experience competing at a high level. His time in the NBA playing for three teams will also be a huge factor in whether he can have another incredible performance.
Vitor Benite is another player who has proven to cause problems for the opposition. He has been efficient from range, making nine of his three-point attempts out of a possible 16 throughout the entire competition so far.
Likely line-ups
Team USA starters:
Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, Steph Curry
Team Brazil starters:
Leo Meindl, Bruno Caboclo, Gui Santos, Georginho De Paula, Marcelo Huertas
Game details
Where is the game being played?
The game will be at the Bercy Arena in Paris
What time will it start?
The game is scheduled to begin at 15:30 ET
How can I watch it?
The game will be available to watch on Peacock
