Team USA vs Australia: Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts for August 9 | 2024 Paris Women's Olympics Basketball

Modified Aug 08, 2024 16:33 GMT

The journey for the Olympic gold medal in the Women's Basketball competition is down to just four teams in the semifinal round, featuring the much anticipated Team USA vs. Australia. The two ball clubs are coming off commanding victories, with Australia handling its business against Serbia and Team USA putting on a show against Nigeria.

In its matchup against Serbia, Australia shot 46.0% from the field, including 36.0% from three-point range. The team was also effective at the defensive end, limiting Serbia to just 39.0% shooting, including 32.0% from beyond the arc. Australia also outrebounded Serbia 44-32.

Team USA, on the other hand, was flat-out dominant against Nigeria. It had a 54.0% shooting night, including 26.0% from three-point range. The team also had the edge over Nigeria in the boards area by 44-28.

Team USA vs Australia: Starting lineups and depth charts

Team USA starting lineup and depth chart

Jackie Young was the newest addition to the team's starting lineup after several tweaks to the backcourt. Her reliable shotmaking helped the team's spacing and provided a steady presence at the three-point line. The team's starting five is as follows: PG - Chelsea Gray, SG - Jackie Young, PF - Breanna Stewart, SF - Napheesa Collier, C - A'ja Wilson.

Here is a look at the team's depth chart:

Position	Starters	Bench	Bench
Point Guard	Chelsea Gray	Sabrina Ionescu	Kelsey Plum
Shooting Guard	Jackie Young	Diana Taurasi	Jewell Loyd
Small Forward	Napheesa Collier	Kahleah Copper
Power Forward	Breanna Stewart	Alyssa Thomas
Center	A'ja Wilson	Brittney Griner

Australia starting lineup and depth chart

Australia is expected to run with the following starting lineup: PG - Jade Melbourne, SG - Samantha Whitcomb, PF - Alanna Smith, SF - Stephanie Talbot, C - Eziyoda Magbegor.

Here is a look at the ball club's depth chart:

Position	Starters	Bench	Bench
Point Guard	Jade Melbourne	Kristy Wallace	Isobel Borlase
Shooting Guard	Samantha Whitcomb	Tess Madgen
Small Forward	Stephanie Talbot	Amy Atwell
Power Forward	Alanna Smith	Cayla George
Center	Eziyoda Magbegor	Marianna Tolo	Lauren Jackson

Team USA vs Australia: Preview

The USA Basketball vs. Australia game will be the first contest in the semifinal round on Friday, Aug. 9. A loss would mean they are still eligible for the bronze medal game.

Australia has the size to match up in some way to Team USA. But it must play with the right pace to keep up with its opponent's speed and athleticism. It remains a challenging head-to-head meeting given the talent gap between the two.

Team USA vs Australia: Players to watch

Lauren Jackson is playing in her fifth Olympic game for Australia as a center, while Diana Taurasi is in her sixth and final Olympics for USA Basketball. The two veterans have been an incredible standard in the sport regarding longevity and dedication.

A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart continue to play some of their best basketball on the international stage with their dynamic tandem on the frontcourt. Meanwhile, Jade Melbourne and Alanna Smith remain reliable scoring options for Australia.