Three toughest opponents for U.S. men's Olympic basketball team

The Germans were also just five points shy of beating the Americans (92-88) in the USA Basketball Showcase, despite shooting an abysmal 35.8% from the field overall and 28.89% from three in that game. Considering Team USA put up a decent performance (shot 50% from the field and out-rebounded the Germans 50-45), if Germany improves and the Americans come out sluggish, it could be a long day for Team USA. 

2. Canada

With only one listed center on the roster, Canada's lack of positional size is especially glaring against teams with a deep big-man rotation like the United States. Team USA exploited this size mismatch in their last meeting with Canada, where Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo controlled the boards with 18 combined rebounds, leading to a comfortable 86-72 for the Americans—without Kevin Durant. That said, the Canadians have had time to mesh and improve, winning the next four games following their loss to the U.S. This improved chemistry coupled with their historic depth of rotation and star-level NBA players—Canada's 10 NBA players is a record for any non-U.S. Olympic team, according to NBC Olympics' Nick Zaccardi—makes them a dangerous opponent. 

Led by 2024 NBA MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett (Canada's leading scorer at 23.5 PPG) and 2023 NBA champion Jamal Murray, along with defensive standouts like Luguentz Dort and Dillon Brooks on the perimeter, Canada's guard and wing depth is second only to Team USA. 

3. Any third-place team in the knockout rounds

While teams like Australia, France and Serbia are capable of testing Team USA, the Americans have demonstrated throughout the Olympics that they can overwhelm any opponent they take seriously, as evidenced by their two 26-point victories over Serbia. However, when they lack focus they have also proved to be their own toughest opponent, making them vulnerable to major underdogs like South Sudan. 

The two best third-place teams from group play will each advance to the knockout rounds. If the U.S. runs into one of these teams, remaining focused will likely be the hardest part of the game. If anyone has a chance to upset the Americans beyond Germany and Canada, it is likely to be an unexpected challenger—something less probable for teams with recognizable NBA talent.