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Team USA vs Japan Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts for July 29 | 2024 Paris Women's Olympics Basketball
Team USA women’s basketball takes on the 2020 silver medalists Japan in the opening game of Group C at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Monday. Awash with a plethora of star-studded players, many have labeled the USA as the red-hot favorites as they are looking to complete a historic eighth straight and 10th total gold medal in the quadrennial games.
The USABWNT lost only three games in the Olympics amid a 55-game winning streak, and Cheryl Reeve's side has a star-studded roster that could go all the way.
On the other hand, Japan is currently ranked ninth in the FIBA world ranking and has top-level players in all positions. This side should not be underestimated this summer despite poor results in their warm-up games. Narrow losses to Belgium and France were followed up by a 92-62 hammering at the hands of New Zealand.
This will be their sixth appearance at the Olympics. Last time out, the Akatsuki Five managed to make it all the way to the final but lost 90-75 to Team USA. It was their best run at the Olympics since 1976, when they finished fifth.
No doubt, the Americans present a humungous test for Japan, and they will have to think of a strong game plan to try and stop them.
Team USA vs Japan: Starting lineups and depth charts
Team USA starting lineups and depth charts
Cheryl Reeve is not expected to have any fresh injury concerns to deal with. The Las Vegas Aces are the most represented franchise on Team US. Star center A’ja Wilson is the most likely to feature from the WNBA outfit in the starting five.
Among the other four, veteran Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas and in-form Napheesa Collier will likely lead the line.
Japan starting lineups and depth charts
Like the US, Japan has no injury concerns heading into this game. Toru Onzuka will be looking to reshuffle his attacking options with single-game Olympic record assist holder Rui Machida, who is out of form and out of favor. Either Maki Takada or Yuki Miyazawa will likely be given the nod.
Onzuka will deploy the Mai Yamamoto, Maki Takada, Stephanie Mawuli, Himawari Akaho and Nanako Todo as expected starting five.
Team USA vs Japan: Players to watch
Mai Yamamoto vs. A’ja Wilson
24-year-old Mai Yamamoto will be the focal point of Japan’s offense. She led all scorers at the Olympic qualifying tournament with 17 points per game, including 21 points in the win over Canada. She will now have the opportunity to prove that she can do it on the big stage.
A'ja Wilson is not only crucial for the USABWNT defensively but also for their attacking threat. She plays with freedom and a swagger that not many have, and she has the finesse to back it up.
Pairing her up front with Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart will allow the world to see what she can do. Wilson will be aiming to shatter the Olympic scoring record.
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