July 21, 2012; Barcelona, SPAIN; USA forward Anthony Davis (14) reacts during practice in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games at Palau Sant Jordi. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

After slamming Tunisia in a 110-63 win, team USA faces a more challenging but still very beatable opponent in Nigeria. During pool play, Nigeria has defeated Tunisia and lost out to Lithuania. Remarkably, they were able to do something the US could not by never trailing in their game against Tunisia. While not a great shooting team, Nigeria is arguably stronger and longer than both France and Tunisia which could present some problems for the US.

Chris Collins, a U.S Workout coach and scout believes the US will have to be more aggressive rebounding as Nigeria “are one of the teams that just get it up on the boards and go get it.” With that in mind look to continue to see more of Anthony Davis. His 7’4 wingspan and shot blocking skills will be instrumental on the defensive end. If fans are lucky we will also get to see another dazzling display of alley oops for the Brow.

Another question coming into today will be if the starters will show more energy right away or if the second unit will once again be forced to play a more prominent role? Against Tunisia, the bench was required to reestablish defensive intensity and distribute the ball better. Look for the starters to try to set a standard during the first quarter- a feat they have yet to accomplish.

It is difficult to predict who will be the high scorer in today’s game. If we see another blowout, scoring may be more evenly distributed as seen against Tunisia. Coach K has said that he will “try to get minutes for everybody so we’re developing everybody as we go into the latter stages of pool play.”  Unfortunately, this may mean audiences will have to wait to see a one-man-show from Lebron James or Kevin Durant. However, look for Durant to try to be more assertive as he continues to be commanded to do so by coaches and teammates alike.

Expect more sensational play in what very well could turn out to be team USA’s biggest rout during the Olympics. The US will have to handle Al-Farouq Aminu and his brother Alade but otherwise should have any easy road to victory.

PREDICTIONS
Final Score: USA-102 Nigeria- 66
Line of the Night: Davis 19 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLKS
Highlight of the Night Prediction: Westbrook Windmill Dunk

July 18, 2012; Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM; USA players LeBron James (left), Kevin Durant (center), and Kevin Love (right) laugh while watching the USA Women play Great Britain during the 2012 London Olympic Games warm-up game at the Manchester Evening News Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Toth-US PRESSWIRE

The USA Men’s Basketball team is currently a 55.5 point favorite against Tunisia today according to USA Today. This point spread can guarantee a few things: 1. USA will never trail in this game. 2. Expect at least one if not several US players to score 25+ points. 3. There will be more slam dunks and alley-oops than an And 1 showcase. Needless to say, this game will not be much of an indicator of how to US will fare in the subsequent rounds but rather just how dominating the US are willing to be.

The players to watch in this game will be the Kevins- Durant and Love respectively. Love has been closely watched since Team USA chairman Jerry Colangelo told USA Today that Love “has not performed up to what he is capable of performing.” Following these comments, Love provided a somewhat redeeming performance against France delivering 14 points in 14 minutes. Perhaps the most scrutinized player in an otherwise invincible squad, Love is still a player with something to prove. While Tunisia will not be the best test for which to judge his talents, it is still an opportunity for Love to build some separation from his critics. Expect him to have another strong outing as we all know that Love does not appreciate having his game questioned.

Unlike Love, Durant has impressed since the team’s first exhibition game. Against France, Durant scored 22 points and should be expected to well exceed this number today, especially if he’s listening to his teammates. Lebron James, Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant have all stated they want Durant to shoot more. James stated, “He’s one of the best players the world has and he’s a three-time scoring champ. So we don’t want the KD that defers. We want the KD that he is in Oklahoma City,” per Royce Young of Daily Thunder. Durant responded to this encouragement saying “I guess I’ve got to be aggressive.” It should be safe to assume Durant will be the high scorer in this game, potentially being the first US player to tally 30 or more points.

Needless to say, this will also be a great game to watch for highlights. There were dazzling moments against France, specifically Lebron’s near full court bounce pass and Harden’s aggressive dunk. Today’s game should provide even more jaw dropping assists and rim rockers. USA will be able to out run, out muscle and overall embarrass Tunisia.

PREDICTIONS:

Final Score: USA- 125 Tunisia- 64
Line of the Night: Durant- 34 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST
Highlight of the Night Prediction: Chris Paul to Lebron 3/4 Court Alley Oop