The 2024 Olympic Games had their grand opening ceremony, and we are officially underway in Paris. Now it’s time to play the games we’ve been anticipating and see which country is the best in women’s basketball.
All four Group A teams will kick off play on Sunday, July 28, looking to start the competition with a victory. The first game will be Spain vs. China at 7:30 a.m. ET and Serbia and Puerto Rico will end the night of play, with their contest beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET. Both games will be streamable on Peacock and nbcolympics.com.
Can Spain overcome China’s size?
China will be favored against Spain given that they are ranked No. 2 by FIBA in the world and have top talent like Han Xu and Li Yueru. With those two titans protecting the rim, China will be difficult to beat. They should earn one of Group A’s top spots and advance to the quarterfinals.
Still, Spain is a formidable team. They have players like Megan Gustafson, forward for the Las Vegas Aces, and Queralt Casas, a staple of the Spanish team for years. FIBA also ranks them No. 4 in the world, so this matchup will be a good test for both teams.
Guirantes, Puerto Rico take on experienced Serbia
The meeting between Serbia and Puerto Rico is, on paper, an even contest. Puerto Rico will heavily depend on Arella Guirantes to help carry the offensive load. She played very well during the exhibition games before the Olympics, scoring 13 points in Puerto Rico’s overtime win versus Portugal.
Serbia will rely on vocal leadership from Tina Krajišnik throughout these games and players like Yvonne Anderson and Jovana Nogic to provide enough offensive firepower to beat Puerto Rico and potentially upset Spain or China later in the competition. For now, earning their first win on Sunday will be the first step to advancing out of Group A.
Game information
Spain vs. China
When: Sunday, July 28 at 7:30 a.m. ET
Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
Spain injury report: none
China injury report: none
Serbia vs. Puerto Rico
When: Sunday, July 28 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
Serbia injury report: none
Puerto Rico injury report: none
