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As a longtime basketball analyst who’s followed international hoops for over a decade, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement looking ahead to the Basketball Olympics 2021 schedule. It’s been a long road—delayed by a year, reshuffled, and reimagined—but the stage is finally set for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of global talent. I’ve spent hours poring over match times, team rosters, and broadcast details, and I’m convinced this could be one of the most competitive Olympic tournaments in recent memory. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to clear your calendar once the action tips off.

Before diving into the full schedule, let’s talk context. Olympic basketball isn’t just about the Games themselves—it’s the culmination of months, sometimes years, of grueling qualifiers and domestic league playoffs that shape the final rosters. Take the Philippine Basketball Association, for example. Just recently, TNT secured its spot in the PBA Philippine Cup finals after an intense best-of-seven semifinal series against Rain or Shine. That kind of high-stakes, physical basketball is exactly what prepares athletes for the Olympic stage. TNT’s journey—closing out a hard-fighting opponent in a decisive Game 6—mirrors the kind of resilience we often see in Olympic squads. It’s a reminder that behind every national team selection are players honed in fiercely competitive environments.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The 2021 Olympic basketball tournament runs from July 25 to August 8, with group stages leading into knockout rounds. Men’s and women’s games are staggered thoughtfully—something I really appreciate as a viewer—so you can catch multiple matchups without overlap. For instance, the U.S. men’s team, featuring stars like Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, opens against France on July 25 at 9:00 PM Tokyo time. That’s one I’ve circled on my calendar; it’s a rematch of the 2019 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals, where France handed the Americans a shocking defeat. On the women’s side, Team USA’s opener against Nigeria on July 27 at 10:00 PM is another must-watch. Having covered Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi for years, I’m eager to see if they can guide the squad to a seventh consecutive gold—a feat that would cement their legacy like nothing else.

What’s particularly compelling about this year’s schedule is the sheer variety of broadcast options. NBC holds the U.S. rights, with streaming available via Peacock and the NBC Sports app. International fans can tune into services like ESPN International or, for Filipino viewers, local networks covering the likes of Gilas Pilipinas if they qualify. And speaking of broadcasting, it’s worth noting how coverage has evolved. Gone are the days when you’d wait for primetime recaps—now, with streaming, you can watch live from Tokyo even if you’re halfway across the world. I’ve already set reminders for key matchups: Spain vs. Argentina on August 1, Australia vs. Nigeria on July 27, and the women’s gold medal game on August 8 at 11:30 AM. Trust me, you don’t want to miss those.

Of course, the Olympics aren’t just about the heavy favorites. I’ve got a soft spot for underdog teams like Slovenia, making their Olympic debut behind Luka Dončić. Their first game on July 26 against Argentina could be a sleeper hit. And let’s not forget the host nation, Japan, whose women’s team has shown flashes of brilliance in recent FIBA Asia Cups. The group stage runs through August 1, with quarterfinals beginning August 3. If history’s any guide, we’re in for a few surprises—maybe even an upset reminiscent of TNT’s gritty semifinal win over Rain or Shine.

As the tournament progresses, keep an eye on fatigue and depth. Condensed schedules mean teams with reliable benches often go further. My prediction? The U.S. men reclaim gold, but it’ll be a dogfight. The women? I’m betting on Team USA, though Australia and Spain will push them to the limit. Whatever happens, this Olympic basketball feast—packed with 42 games in just over two weeks—is a can’t-miss event for any hoops fan. So mark those dates, set those alarms, and get ready for some unforgettable basketball.