2012 Olympic Basketball Predictions

Key Players: Kobe Bryant, 33 - Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, 27 - Miami Heat, Kevin Durant, 23 - Oklahoma City Thunder.

The U.S. only has one major concern in the center position. Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks is the only true center on the squad. This will be a major concern against bigger teams like Spain. The Gasol brothers should give USA a major challenge, but in the end the U.S. will pull it out. Too much athleticism, NBA talent, perimeter defense for the U.S. to lose.

Key Players: Pau Gasol, 32 - Los Angeles Lakers, Marc Gasol, 27 - Memphis Grizzlies, Serge Ibaka, 22 - Oklahoma City Thunder.

Spain should pose as the United States' biggest threat. Spain sports a great frontcourt with the Gasol brothers and Serge Ibaka. Other current or former NBA players include: Jose Calderon, Victor Claver, and Rudy Fernandez. A concern against the U.S. will be the perimeter defense of Jose Calderon. Will he be able to stop Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, or Deron Williams? Only time will tell.

Key Players: Tony Parker, 30 - San Antonio Spurs, Nicolas Batum, 23 - Portland Trail Blazers, Boris Diaw, 30 - San Antonio Spurs.

With Joakim Noah out, France certainly takes a hit. I believe they will be able to absorb it and obtain a bronze medal. They still have some NBA talent including the aforementioned players. In addition to those 3, France also has Kevin Seraphin and Ronny Turiaf.

Key Players: Manu Ginobili, 34 - San Antonio Spurs, Carlos Delfino, 29 - Milwaukee Bucks, Luis Scola, 32 - Phoenix Suns.

The Argentine basketball team is a very balanced team. With shooters who can stretch the floor like Delfino and Ginobili, to post presences like Scola and Gutierrez. It should be a close game between them and France in the bronze medal game. The younger and quicker France team should pull it out.

Key Players: Nene Hilario, 32 - Washington Wizards, Anderson Varejao, 29 - Cleveland Cavaliers, Leandro Barbosa, 29 - Indiana Pacers.

Brazil has already shown it can hang with the big boys evident by their play against the U.S. They were winning for lots of the first half until the U.S. woke up. Brazil has a very good frontcourt led by 10 year veteran, Nene. Joining him are Tiago Splitter and Varejao. Brazil should fall short of a medal game.