Basketball nations to watch in Rio

BASKETBALL NATIONS TO WATCH IN RIO OLYMPIC GAMES

MEN

AUSTRALIA - No Dante Exum, no Ben Simmons and potentially no Andrew Bogut, but Australia will still have its most credentialled Olympic line-up ever with five other NBA players - including champions Matthew Dellavedova, Patty Mills and Aron Baynes. The Boomers have never won an Olympic medal in basketball but many rate Rio their best chance yet.

USA - It's hard to see the Americans not winning a third consecutive Olympic gold medal, even with a roster missing Steph Curry and LeBron James. While they won't be taking their best team, it's certainly not the worst - boasting superstars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony and a swag of NBA All-Stars.

SPAIN - The world No.2 Spain have walked away silver medallists from the past two Olympics after losing to the USA in the finals at London and Beijing. Star brothers Pau and Marc Gasol, part of the last two Games teams, are expected to play a big part in Rio - for what would be Pau's fourth Olympics if he opts to go.

WOMEN

AUSTRALIA - With a squad similar to the one that won bronze at the 2014 world championships, the Opals are genuine contenders. Even without the great Lauren Jackson, stars Liz Cambage and Penny Taylor are expected to lead them to a spot on the podium. They've won a medal at every Olympics since 1996 but never gold.

USA - The five-time defending gold medallists and reigning world champions are the team to beat. Led by WNBA superstars Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi, the US have nine players with Olympic experience in their squad and only three debutants. Two-time Games champion Candace Parker is a noticeable absentee.

SPAIN - Ranked third in the world but haven't competed at the Olympics since 2008. They booked their place with a quarter-final win in the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in June. They claimed silver at the 2014 world championships but are yet to win a Games medal.