LAS VEGAS – The United States’ quest for a fifth-consecutive gold medal at the Paris Olympics begins with a friendly exhibition against Canada today – Wednesday, July 10 – at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The basketball showcase is available on multiple streaming services for free.
Tonight’s game will broadcast live on FS1 with tipoff scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Eastern. (7:30 p.m. Pacific). Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch the first look at Team USA for free by utilizing streaming alternatives like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial. Sling TV is also offering promotional discounts for new customers.
While they have consistently brought home the gold, there have been close calls and concerns that the United States has shifted away from fielding its best roster. Those concerns have been thrown out the window as the NBA’s elite have come together in an aura of star power to leave no doubt.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and slew of other top-tier talent have conjuring up memories of the old 1992 Dream Team, known as the greatest United States basketball team ever assembled. With the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and other legends, they went a perfect 8-0 in Barcelona to capture gold.
Can the NBA’s gold standard emulate that perfection?
The United States automatically qualified for the Paris Summer Olympics after finishing as one of the top two countries in the Americas Zone at the FIBA World Cup last summer. Shockingly, Team USA finished fourth after losing the bronze medal match against Canada. The lackluster performance propelled a call-to-arms for the 2024 Summer Games.
What basketball players are on Team USA?
Bam Adebayo, Center, Miami Heat
Devin Booker, Guard, Phoenix Suns
Stephen Curry, Guard, Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis, Forward/Center, Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant, Forward, Phoenix Suns
Anthony Edwards, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Haliburton, Guard, Indiana Pacers
Jrue Holiday, Guard, Boston Celtics
LeBron James, Forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Kawhi Leonard, Forward, Los Angeles Clippers
Jayson Tatum, Forward, Boston Celtics
Team USA will be guided by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Gonzaga head coach Mark Few, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra will be assistants.
Scouting the United States
The Americans are stacked with an expected starting five which would be relatable to an NBA All-Star team. They check all the boxes with size, speed and savvy skills at every area of the court.
While talent is their strength, their largest weakness will be meshing together in a competitive environment. Normally, when this type of squad comes together, it’s a free for all with no defense at the All-Star break. They will need to play sound basketball on both sides of the ball to avoid any slip ups from top tier adversaries. With that said, The United States should be favorites in every game they play.
It’s Stephen Curry’s first Olympics, as well as Joel Embiid’s first time on the USA national team after a fierce courting over France. This will likely be James’ final swan song at the prestigious games. The roster is saturated with NBA greats such as Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, and also features a mixed bag of new-era talent highlighted by Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton and defending NBA champion Jayson Tatum.
The lineup is fairly healthy despite Kawhi Leonard withdrawing from Team USA on July 10 due to concerns with a surgically-repaired right knee. Multiple reports have Celtics guard Derrick White taking the vacated spot.
Durant will not play against Canada as he continues to nurse a left calf strain that has kept him out of four consecutive practices.
Watch Team USA vs. Canada men’s basketball for free on DirecTV Stream
What Group is Team USA in for the 2024 Summer Olympics?
Team USA will be in Group C, along with Serbia, Puerto Rico and South Sudan. The top two teams in the group will advance to the knockout stage.
What is the full Olympics schedule for Team USA?
*All times are Eastern
Where: France
Group play
July 28 vs. Serbia at 11:15 a.m.
July 31 vs. South Sudan at 3 p.m.
Aug. 3 vs. Puerto Rico at 11:15 a.m.
Knockout rounds
Aug. 6 quarterfinals TBD
Aug. 8 semifinals TBD
Aug. 10 Gold/Bronze medal games TBD
What exhibition games will team USA play?
The United States will face Canada, Australia, Serbia, South Sudan and Germany in their preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Watch Team USA vs. Canada men’s basketball for free on FuboTV
What basketball players are on Team Canada?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
RJ Barrett, Forward, Toronto Raptors
Khem Birch, Center, Basquet Girona
Dillon Brooks, Guard, Houston Rockets
Lugentz Dort, Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
Melvin Ejim, Forward, Baloncesto Malaga
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
Trey Lyles, Power Forward, Sacramento Kings
Jamal Murray, Guard, Denver Nuggets
Andrew Nembhard, Guard, Indiana Pacers
Kelly Olynyk, Forward, Toronto Raptors
Dwight Powell, Forward, Dallas Mavericks
Scouting Canada
The Canadians, guided by coach Jordi Fernandez, hold claim to a rare victory over the United States in the Bronze Medal game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. It was their first ever medal at the games. With that being said, this isn’t even close to the same American roster.
Canada are one of the other favorites to make a deep run in Paris as they have retooled with a slew of top NBA talent, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray. NBA veteran pariah Dillon Brooks will also represent his nation.
In a sign of rising program, this is Canada’s first Olympic appearance since 2000. The Canadians are currently ranked No. 7 in the FIBA Basketball world rankings.
While the overall talent disparity is fairly wide, the Canadians possess enough NBA firepower to remain within striking distance of the United States, especially if they are taken lightly, which has been a trend from the Americans over the past few Olympic cycles. Expect a high-scoring affair and some razzle-dazzle to kick off the exhibition trail.
Here’s more information on how to watch Team USA vs. Canada on TV and streaming services.
What: Team USA vs. Canada: Men’s basketball showcase
When: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern (7:30 p.m. Pacific)
Where: T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada
Channel: FS1
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling TV (promotional offers for new customers)
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DirecTv, Dish, Verizon Fios