Canada can win Group A with a victory over Spain.
Even though Canada has already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, there is still a lot at stake for them in this matchup.
If Canada wins, not only will they win the group, but it will help them avoid being on the same side as the United States in the playoff bracket. Canada could still win Group A even if they lose to Spain. If Australia beats Greece and Canada loses to Spain by seven or fewer points, Canada still wins the group.
If Canada loses to Spain and Greece beats Australia, then Canada will be the No. 2 seed in Group A. This would likely put them on the same side of the bracket as the United States in the knockout stage. This would also happen if Australia beats Greece and Canada loses to Spain by 9 or 10 points.
If Australia beats Greece and Canada loses to Spain by 12 or more points, then Canada will drop down as the third-best team in Group A and will qualify for the playoffs as a wild-card team.
RJ Barrett has arguably been the best player at the tournament. He and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will lead Canada’s offensive attack. Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort and Dillon Brooks will spearhead Canada’s defense. Canada’s on-ball defense gave Australia a ton of problems last game.
Canada played a more complete game against Australia, especially in the second-half. It’ll be important for them to set the tone early against a Spain team that has a lot to play for as well.
Spain (1-1) vs. Canada (2-0)
11:15 a.m. EST, Friday, August 2, 2024
Pierre Mauroy Stadium
TV: CBC and TSN 1050
Projected Spain Starting Lineup:
PG: Lorenzo Brown
SG: Xabi Lopez-Arostegui
SF: Santi Aldama
PF: Alex Abrines
C: Willy Hernangomez
Key reserves: Juancho Hernangomez, Usman Garuba, Sergio Llull
Projected Canada Starting Lineup:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: RJ Barrett
SF: Dillion Brooks
PF: Luguentz Dort
C: Dwight Powell
Key reserves: Jamal Murray, Kelly Olynyk, Andrew Nembhard
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