Canada’s men’s basketball team begins its 2024 Paris Olympic journey against Greece.
Canada returns to men’s basketball at the Olympics for the first time since 2000 in Sydney. This is considered the most talented Canadian team ever assembled and they have a legitimate shot to end up with a medal in the tournament.
Canada and Greece are both in Group A, which also features Australia and Spain. Canada qualified for the Olympics last summer at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, meanwhile Greece earned their spot just a few weeks ago at a FIBA qualifying tournament.
The Canadians are loaded with NBA talent. They are led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, Dillon Brooks and RJ Barrett. They have the second best odds (behind the United States) to win gold in Paris.
Greece will be led by NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the world, but he’s the only player on the Greece roster playing in the NBA.
Antetokounmpo might be the best player on the court in this game, but the better team is Canada who boasts a balanced attack. Canada is going to have no issue running up the score with their offensive firepower and their defense should make things difficult for Greece and Antetokounmpo. However, these European teams can never be taken lightly, especially with a player like Antetokounmpo who can take over a game.
Greece (0-0) vs. Canada (0-0)
3:00 p.m. EST, July 27, 2024
Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
TV: TSN or CBC Gem
Projected Greece Starting Lineup:
PG: Georgios Papagiannis
SG: Thomas Walkup
SF: Dimitrios Moraitis
PF: Kostas Papanikolaou
C: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Key reserves: Giannoulis Larentzakis, Panagiotis Kalaitzakis, Panagiotis Kalaitzakis
Projected Canada Starting Lineup:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Jamal Murray
SF: Dillion Brooks
PF: RJ Barrett
C: Dwight Powell
Key reserves: Luguentz Dort, Kelly Olynyk, Andrew Nembhard
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