United States vs. Venezuela preview and gamethread

Venezuela will be Group A along with the United States when the Olympics start, so we’ll be seeing this match up again. Unfortunately Venezuela’s most accomplished player will not be playing in either game, as Brooklyn Nets point guard Greivis Vasquez has pulled out of the Olympics due to injury. Still, this is a team that beat both Canada and Argentina in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, so they aren’t a pushover. But without any NBA talent on the roster, they’re a long shot to even make this game somewhat competitive.

Even though the game will probably be a massive blowout it still should be fun to watch. Kyrie Irving will do ridiculous things as usual. DeMar DeRozan might almost have a top five dunk of all-time again. And we can debate how many players on Team Venezuela are better than some of the key Golden State Warriors bench guys like Kevin Looney and James Michael McAdoo.

When? 9 p.m.

Where? United Center, Chicago

Broadcast? NBA TV

Online? facebook.com/USABasketball