FanHouse GoldenTicket

Throughout the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will prioritize the games of the day for you in Golden Ticket.

We've had two fantastic matches and a bunch of blow-outs. Something tells that will all change tonight/tomorrow morning.

GOLD: United States vs Greece, 8 a.m. EST This draw has been badgered a bit already. The first test for the American team, Greece should be ready for all the pressure Team USA will bring in the backcourt and out high. Of course, team leaders LeBron James and Dwyane Wade remember vividly, no doubt, the embarrassment of 2004 and want nothing more, I assume, than to avenge their fallen Olympic friends. (R.I.P. A.I.) Will Team USA's sheer will be enough? Greece isn't the threat it once was, and isn't even a medal favorite this year. But the backcourt will wake up the American guards, and the physical defense will force the United States to cash in on the transition game. I have a feeling Team USA will pull away in the second half and win by double digits, and I look forward to all the jersey-popping and self-righteousness from pundits (and bloggers) who think this collection is greater than Elvis.

SILVER: Argentina vs Croatia, 10:15 a.m. EST Argentina lost its opener because it failed to account for the unbelievable swag of Linas Kleiza, but come back to throttle the Aussies on Tuesday. Croatia also buried Australia, and finished a tough win over tough Russia. How good is Croatia? Is Argentina still elite? This game could help answer those questions. The Croatians can't miss from deep, but the Argentines should hold a nice advantage in the frontcourt. I have a suspicion Argentina will make a big statement, but it's tough to bet against a Croatia team which has looked unassailable to date.

BRONZE: Lithuania vs Russia, 4:45 a.m. EST Lithuania remains undefeated, as Kleiza has simply taken over. The Russians could use a bounceback after the loss to Croatia, as a three or four seed after groups means murder against Spain or the U.S. in the quarters. The Lithuanians, with a win, would see only Croatia in their path on the way to Group A supremacy. Russia beat Lithuania in elimination in Euro 2007, but I'd expect the opposite result here.

In other action: Spain vs Germany (which would have been the "bronze" match if it weren't already in the third quarter ... whoops), Australia vs Iran, China vs Angola (wee!).

Throughout the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will prioritize the games of the day for you in Golden Ticket.

We've had two fantastic matches and a bunch of blow-outs. Something tells that will all change tonight/tomorrow morning.

GOLD: United States vs Greece, 8 a.m. EST This draw has been badgered a bit already. The first test for the American team, Greece should be ready for all the pressure Team USA will bring in the backcourt and out high. Of course, team leaders LeBron James and Dwyane Wade remember vividly, no doubt, the embarrassment of 2004 and want nothing more, I assume, than to avenge their fallen Olympic friends. (R.I.P. A.I.) Will Team USA's sheer will be enough? Greece isn't the threat it once was, and isn't even a medal favorite this year. But the backcourt will wake up the American guards, and the physical defense will force the United States to cash in on the transition game. I have a feeling Team USA will pull away in the second half and win by double digits, and I look forward to all the jersey-popping and self-righteousness from pundits (and bloggers) who think this collection is greater than Elvis.

SILVER: Argentina vs Croatia, 10:15 a.m. EST Argentina lost its opener because it failed to account for the unbelievable swag of Linas Kleiza, but come back to throttle the Aussies on Tuesday. Croatia also buried Australia, and finished a tough win over tough Russia. How good is Croatia? Is Argentina still elite? This game could help answer those questions. The Croatians can't miss from deep, but the Argentines should hold a nice advantage in the frontcourt. I have a suspicion Argentina will make a big statement, but it's tough to bet against a Croatia team which has looked unassailable to date.

BRONZE: Lithuania vs Russia, 4:45 a.m. EST Lithuania remains undefeated, as Kleiza has simply taken over. The Russians could use a bounceback after the loss to Croatia, as a three or four seed after groups means murder against Spain or the U.S. in the quarters. The Lithuanians, with a win, would see only Croatia in their path on the way to Group A supremacy. Russia beat Lithuania in elimination in Euro 2007, but I'd expect the opposite result here.

In other action: Spain vs Germany (which would have been the "bronze" match if it weren't already in the third quarter ... whoops), Australia vs Iran, China vs Angola (wee!).

Throughout the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will prioritize the games of the day for you in Golden Ticket.

Tuesday might have the weakest slate in pool play, but we still have a few interest-piquing matchups.

GOLD: Greece vs Germany, 2:30 a.m. EST The Germans busted out like a disrespected band of unsavory characters on Opening Night, simply destroying the Angolans. But how good are they? The Greeks, who suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of Spain, should be a better litmus test. A loss would murder Greece's slimming medal hopes, considering the U.S. team awaits on Thursday. The Clips own the NBA rights to Greek mammoth Sofo Schortsianitis, so the Sofo-Kaman battle could be fun for LAC fans to absorb.

SILVER: Croatia vs Russia, 11:15 p.m. EST (Note that this game actually kicks off today in the States.) The Russians faced a virtual bye against Iran on Day 1; the Croats made quick work of a decent Australia (who, you know, gave Team USA a scare last week). Russia probably has better talent, starting with Andrei Kirilenko (15/5/3 blocks against Iran) at the top. But Croatia has been strong this summer, beating Germany in Athens without Damir Markota. Markota remains unavailable, but Croatia boasts a credible deep threat (they went 12-for-16 from three against the Aussies) and solid depth. Should be a tight contest.

BRONZE: Spain vs China, 4:45 a.m. EST China's frisky. The Chinese stayed near Team USA for a full half on Sunday (no small feat), and Yao often barked out directions to his young teammates, most notably Yi Jianlian. Mix in what had better be a hostile crowd, and we could have the ingredients for a dazzling upset. Spain is far superior in the backcourt -- Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez and Ricky Rubio should run figure-8s around the Chinese guards -- but I think we have settled that Pau Gasol's post defense is a smidge less than glorious. Spain should win, and likely will. But there's a chance for something epic from the Chinese, and I for one will be rooting them on.

In other action: United States vs Angola, Iran vs Lithuania, Argentina vs Australia.

Throughout the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will prioritize the games of the day for you in Golden Ticket.

Tuesday might have the weakest slate in pool play, but we still have a few interest-piquing matchups.

GOLD: Greece vs Germany, 2:30 a.m. EST The Germans busted out like a disrespected band of unsavory characters on Opening Night, simply destroying the Angolans. But how good are they? The Greeks, who suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of Spain, should be a better litmus test. A loss would murder Greece's slimming medal hopes, considering the U.S. team awaits on Thursday. The Clips own the NBA rights to Greek mammoth Sofo Schortsianitis, so the Sofo-Kaman battle could be fun for LAC fans to absorb.

SILVER: Croatia vs Russia, 11:15 p.m. EST (Note that this game actually kicks off today in the States.) The Russians faced a virtual bye against Iran on Day 1; the Croats made quick work of a decent Australia (who, you know, gave Team USA a scare last week). Russia probably has better talent, starting with Andrei Kirilenko (15/5/3 blocks against Iran) at the top. But Croatia has been strong this summer, beating Germany in Athens without Damir Markota. Markota remains unavailable, but Croatia boasts a credible deep threat (they went 12-for-16 from three against the Aussies) and solid depth. Should be a tight contest.

BRONZE: Spain vs China, 4:45 a.m. EST China's frisky. The Chinese stayed near Team USA for a full half on Sunday (no small feat), and Yao often barked out directions to his young teammates, most notably Yi Jianlian. Mix in what had better be a hostile crowd, and we could have the ingredients for a dazzling upset. Spain is far superior in the backcourt -- Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez and Ricky Rubio should run figure-8s around the Chinese guards -- but I think we have settled that Pau Gasol's post defense is a smidge less than glorious. Spain should win, and likely will. But there's a chance for something epic from the Chinese, and I for one will be rooting them on.

In other action: United States vs Angola, Iran vs Lithuania, Argentina vs Australia.

Throughout the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will prioritize the games of the day for you in Golden Ticket.

We have a slate of six to open up the Games, including a game the president had to beg for tickets for.

GOLD: USA vs China, 10:15 a.m. EST, NBC. This game isn't the best on paper. But Yao Ming is leading his country against the titans of basketball in his home nation -- this is important. It feels a bit like USA vs Brazil in the 1994 World Cup, doesn't it? Of course, the Americans aren't the home 'dogs in this one, and China really isn't good enough to dream of beating the United States. By all measures, this should be a blow-out. Even if it becomes one, I have a suspicion the game will still feel important.

SILVER: Spain vs Greece, 2:30 a.m. EST. Spain won the 2006 FIBA World Championship and came within a missed basket of capturing the Euro title last summer. As deep as anyone and bright as a highlighter, Spain figures to at least challenge Team USA for gold. Greece is a good team -- a bit streaky, a world-beater who could lose to Australia, too. This game's incredibly important for the Spaniards. A loss to the Greeks puts Spain in line to get the Group B third seed at best (barring a win over Team USA), which sets up a match with Group A champs, possibly Lithuania or Argentina. Speaking of which ...

BRONZE: Lithuania vs Argentina, 4:45 a.m. EST. In the U.S., this one will be online only, unless you have that crazy 100% Olympic basketball channel on DirecTV. Being online only, those TiVo options are limited (unless you're severely efficient in tech matters) so you'll need to stay up late/get up early. Still, it might be worth it. Sarunas Jasikevicius and Manu Ginobili may not guard each other, but an epic battle can be easily imagined. The winner should brawl with Russia for the Group A top spot, which draws the worst elimination qualifier of Team USA's pool in the quarters.

In other action: Russia vs Iran, Germany vs Angola, Australia vs Croatia.

Throughout the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will prioritize the games of the day for you in Golden Ticket.

We have a slate of six to open up the Games, including a game the president had to beg for tickets for.

GOLD: USA vs China, 10:15 a.m. EST, NBC. This game isn't the best on paper. But Yao Ming is leading his country against the titans of basketball in his home nation -- this is important. It feels a bit like USA vs Brazil in the 1994 World Cup, doesn't it? Of course, the Americans aren't the home 'dogs in this one, and China really isn't good enough to dream of beating the United States. By all measures, this should be a blow-out. Even if it becomes one, I have a suspicion the game will still feel important.

SILVER: Spain vs Greece, 2:30 a.m. EST. Spain won the 2006 FIBA World Championship and came within a missed basket of capturing the Euro title last summer. As deep as anyone and bright as a highlighter, Spain figures to at least challenge Team USA for gold. Greece is a good team -- a bit streaky, a world-beater who could lose to Australia, too. This game's incredibly important for the Spaniards. A loss to the Greeks puts Spain in line to get the Group B third seed at best (barring a win over Team USA), which sets up a match with Group A champs, possibly Lithuania or Argentina. Speaking of which ...

BRONZE: Lithuania vs Argentina, 4:45 a.m. EST. In the U.S., this one will be online only, unless you have that crazy 100% Olympic basketball channel on DirecTV. Being online only, those TiVo options are limited (unless you're severely efficient in tech matters) so you'll need to stay up late/get up early. Still, it might be worth it. Sarunas Jasikevicius and Manu Ginobili may not guard each other, but an epic battle can be easily imagined. The winner should brawl with Russia for the Group A top spot, which draws the worst elimination qualifier of Team USA's pool in the quarters.

In other action: Russia vs Iran, Germany vs Angola, Australia vs Croatia.