No team in the men’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics has secured a spot in the quarterfinals, nor has any team been eliminated. However, the next couple of days are crucial for some nations as they face make-or-break games that could determine their medal chances.
After all 12 teams played on either Saturday or Sunday, Monday serves as a rest day for all teams involved in the men’s tournament at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. While some teams will use this break to regroup and practice, others like the U.S. will take the day to relax and support other Olympic events after a strong opener led by Kevin Durant.
Group play will see the 12-team Olympic field reduced to eight, with the top two teams in each of the three groups advancing to the quarterfinals, along with the two best third-place teams. Teams that go 3-0 are guaranteed a spot, while those going 0-3 will be heading home early.
In Group A, Australia and Canada are leading with 1-0 records. Key games on Tuesday include Spain vs. Greece and Canada vs. Australia, with the winners likely securing a spot in the knockout round. Teams falling to 0-2 will face a must-win scenario on Friday.
Group B sees Germany and France at the top with 1-0 records. Matches to watch on Tuesday are Japan vs. France and Brazil vs. Germany, with the winners likely advancing to the quarterfinals. Point differentials will be crucial in potential tiebreakers for third-place advancement.
Group C features the U.S. and South Sudan at 1-0. The U.S. will face South Sudan in a game everyone will be watching after the close call in a recent exhibition match. The winner will secure a quarterfinal spot, while the Serbia-Puerto Rico matchup will be important for advancement prospects.
Looking ahead, the quarterfinals are set for Aug. 6, followed by the semifinals on Aug. 8 and the gold- and bronze-medal games on Aug. 10, all in Paris.
