“`html
Quick Bytes
- Team USA set to play Puerto Rico in their final 2024 Olympic group stage game.
- Anthony Davis is expected to play after an ankle tweak; Coach Kerr revises starting lineup.
- Puerto Rico’s defense is strong, but their offense struggles, scoring low in previous games.
- A win for the USA would secure the top seed for the knockout stage.
Team USA Gears Up for Final Olympic Group Stage Clash
Team USA is poised to face Puerto Rico in their last group stage match of the 2024 Olympics, already having secured a spot in the quarterfinals. The game is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. PT on August 3, 2024, at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock TV.
Despite a recent ankle injury, Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis is cleared to play, as confirmed by head coach Steve Kerr. Kerr plans to revert to the team’s original starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Joel Embiid, after experimenting with a different lineup in the previous game against South Sudan.
Puerto Rico, although winless, presents a robust defense and includes NBA talent like Jose Alvarado. However, their offensive performance has been underwhelming, with significant losses in their first two games. Team USA, with its offensive prowess, is expected to dominate, but must avoid complacency to maintain momentum for the knockout rounds.
The projected starting lineup for Team USA includes Curry, Booker, Holiday, James, and Embiid, with key reserves like Davis and Kevin Durant ready to contribute. Puerto Rico’s projected starters are Alvarado, Tremont Waters, Isaiah Pineiro, Ismael Romero, and George Conditt IV, with Davon Reed among the key reserves.
As the quarterfinals approach, Team USA aims to fine-tune their performance and secure a decisive victory against Puerto Rico to clinch the top seed.
Source link
“`