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Team USA vs Nigeria: Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts for August 7 | 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball
Team USA women’s basketball team takes on Paris 2024 underdogs Nigeria for a spot in the semi-finals. USA is aiming for its 11th consecutive semi-final appearance, while Nigeria is making its first-ever Olympics knockout-round appearance.
Entering the quadrennial tournament as one of the favorites, A’ja Wilson & Co. looks to be living up to those expectations. They kicked off their campaign with a stunning 102-76 victory against Japan, followed by impressive 87-74 and 87-68-wins over Belgium and Germany, respectively.
The USA team boasts an unmatched 58-game Olympic winning streak and is a sure-fire favorite to progress to the semi-finals over Nigeria. But the West African side has been dangerous in this tournament, as evidenced by its 75-62 upset over No. 3 ranked Australia in their opening game.
Team USA qualified for the quarter-finals with maximum points, while Nigeria Nigeria edged through via a third-placed finish. Nigeria took its tally to five points in the last game after defeating Canada, making it through to the quarter-final as one of the best third-placed sides.
Team USA vs Nigeria: Starting lineups and depth charts
Team USA predicted starting 5s and depth charts
For Team USA, coach Cheryl Reeve faces selection headaches as fans clamor for Jackie Young to replace Diana Taurasi as the shooting guard. With so much depth on the roster, this key area is something Reeve should focus on to strengthen America’s bid for another Olympic gold.
Apart from this, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are expected to keep their place in the starting five. However, there is a possibility that Sabrina Ionescu could pose a selection dilemma after performing well in the last two games.
The presence of A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart will be vital in USA’s quest for glory in Paris; the duo's quality and experience in big games will no doubt be invaluable in such crucial games.
Nigeria predicted starting 5s and depth charts
As for the Nigerians, Murjanatu Musa had a promising outing when she started the last game against Canda and she is potentially in contention to be included in the lineup.
No other significant changes are expected from coach Rena Wakama, who might be inclined to stick with the same lineup featuring Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun and Ezinne Kalu.
Team USA vs Nigeria: Head-to-head
The two sides have met five times before, with Team USA winning all of those games. The most recent game between the two saw Team USA thrash Nigeria 100-46 during the qualification game for the Paris Olympics on February 9.
The odds may be stacked heavily against Nigeria, but if they want to have any slight chance of progression, a spirited, hard-fought performance is a necessity. They will also require a clinical edge, as chances will be few and far between.
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