After their successful one-off game against Canada in Las Vegas, Team USA hoped on a flight to the Middle East. Landing in Abu Dhabi, the 2024 Paris Olympics stars were welcomed traditionally. Stephen Curry held a Falcon upon his arrival in the Capital of the UAE. But they haven’t traveled to the hot destination to merely test their stamina. Their exhibition schedule continues in Abu Dhabi.

In their first game, a Stephen Curry shooting masterclass and blasting Anthony Edwards’ spectacular scoring bursts helped Team USA beat their arch-rivals despite falling behind by double digits early in the game. However, as a team, the chemistry and understanding between the youngsters and veterans are yet to set in. While they won, their teamwork and adaptability needed to vastly improve.

Hence, the US will face two competent foes during their Abu Dhabi tour. Let’s look at what and when we can expect some basketball action.

Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Team USA begin with Australia

Team USA will meet their reputed basketball rivals, Australia. The game will take place at the Etihad Center in Abu Dhabi on July 15 at 12:00 PM ET. These two sides share a rich rivalry. It was five years back in August that the Boomers, led by a magnificent Patty Mills handed Team USA their first loss in 13 years. Later, they beat them once again in a 2022 exhibition game. Kevin Durant was part of that game. Once again, Mills had leaked his magic with a stunning 22-point haul.

And he is back to feast. Patty, one of the longest-serving members of Australian basketball, was also named to their Paris Olympics roster in a possible final trip for the veteran. However, he isn’t the only threat by any means. The Boomers also have veteran shooter Joe Ingles and Chicago Bulls’ expert playmaker Josh Giddey. They also have talented defensive pillars in Josh Green and former Cavalier guard Matthew Dellavedova (famous for guarding Stephen Curry) on the roster.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic awaits Team USA next, after Boomers

After a day’s rest from their game against the Boomers, Team USA will return to the Etihad Center, this time to face the Serbians. The game will take place on July 17th, 12 PM ET. Led by the reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic, Serbia is fresh off a commanding win against the home side – France. Despite the towering Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert protecting the paint, the Joker played his cards impressively. He forgot the memories of Wemby blocking his shots and imposing himself in the post against the Spurs center.

Nikola finished the game as the instrumental force, contributing 20 points and 12 rebounds in 30 minutes. Moreover, the Serbian unit held a fine-tuned offense, like France, to only 67 points.

Serbia also has three additional NBA stars on the roster. Following his career-best season with the Hawks, Bogdan Bogdanovic starts alongside the Nuggets ace for the national team. Additionally, they also have Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic and Thunder guard Vasilije Micic on their roster along with a slate of Serbian basketball league players.

How could Team USA line up in Abu Dhabi?

In their lone game against Canada so far, Steve Kerr sent out his trusted soldier, Stephen Curry, as the starting point guard paired up with Celtics’ defensive menace Jrue Holiday in the backcourt. LeBron James served as the facilitator alongside Devin Booker and Joel Embiid in the front court. Initially, this Starting 5 struggled to tackle the Canadians, who ran off to an 11-1 start to open the game.

Playing a 3-guard lineup might have been the reason for their defensive meltdown. Steve Kerr will likely make some tweaks within the starters to better respond to Australia and Serbia’s size. Unfortunately, it seems Kevin Durant will remain absent as the 2-time NBA champion once again hasn’t participated in training before the Australia game. He also missed the opening encounter against Canada.

If Kerr does decide to implement a change, it will likely involve substituting Devin Booker for a versatile, well-equipped forward, such as Anthony Davis. The Brow had a deep influence in Team USA’s comeback win against Canada, blocking shots and dominating the interior. Team USA’s floor spacing will reduce, however, every one of the starters does have the ability to shoot the ball.

Post Abu Dhabi, fans should have a better understanding of how this exotic team lines up during the big Paris competition, in two weeks. In their quest for not only a 5th straight Gold but also reinstalling themselves as the undisputed power in basketball, these two games matter immensely.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video