USA vs. Argentina Basketball Friendly 2016: Will US Team Defeat Argentine Players? Game Time, TV Info, Live Streaming, Rosters and Potential Lineup

By Regin Anthony Salo Olimberio, CP Contributor Friday, July 22, 2016

Team USA Men's Basketball is bound in a square off against the 2004 Olympic champion Argentina 9 p.m. today, July 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The exhibition game is first in a series of nine hoop games that Verizon will showcase as part of the Rio Olympics next month. Seven squads will face off Team USA, including 2 games against China and a game each against Argentina, France, Canada, Venezuela, Australia and Nigeria.

Team USA who will come in fresh from the summer camp is boasting 14 Olympic gold medals seeks revenge against the opposing team Argentina after losing in 2004 in the Olympic semifinals. Stepping in as the possible part of starting lineup are Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson, Draymond Greene, Kevin Durant and Kylie Irving of Cleveland Cavaliers.

Since Team USA will unchain a squad of familiar NBA superstars to battle the Argentine warriors, fans can still expect a first class match-up since the opposing team will also field their own pro players. The 38-year-old and former San Antonio Spurs hotshot Manu Ginobili will test skills against the younger player but with the help of veterans Andres Nocioni, Luis Scola and Carlos Delfino. All the other three have also seen action in the NBA.

Although an exhibition or friendly match by all standards, this one is a tough call for the NBA-laden Team USA since Argentina, currently ranked fourth in FIBA, is said to have the capability to do another upset against USA. Argentines have always played well in world tournaments. And although showcasing fewer NBA current players or past players, they are known for excellent teamwork.

Basketball fanatics can catch the NBA TV live streaming on Facebook for the first time in history hoping to capture the viewers other than cable-based. Simulcasts of NBA TV's game coverage pre-Olympics exhibition games is also available through Facebook pages of USA Basketball and the NBA, with the live-streaming coverage on the social service sponsored by Verizon.

NBA TV fear losing viewership for the up and coming Rio Olympics due to absence of rivals Stephen Curry and Lebron James from the lineup so the live streaming was pushed. The hype-up will hopefully lead fans to continue watching the basketball saga in Rio Olympics.

For fans that can do a quick run to Las Vegas, tickets are still available online at StubHub and for this match up, T-Mobile Arena's upper seats cost at $80 for the cheapest while $350 for the courtside.