USA vs. Japan: Can Diana Taurasi & Co. Beat Japan In Their First Group Match? Injury Report, Starting 5 & Prediction

Team USA is set to kick off their first round of the group stage against Japan on the 29th. And if it’s anything like last time, it’ll be the top spot on the Olympic podium for the Diana Taurasi-led US women’s basketball team. What’s more, they haven’t had a particularly tough practice schedule. However, they’re well prepared with their showing in the practice match against Germany, where they secured an 84-57 victory.

As for Japan, it was the 1976 Olympics when Japan had the upper hand over the USA. Since then, the two teams have met 6 times, with the USA coming out on top 6-1. Now, hours before they cross swords, here are the updates on the starting 5 of Team USA and Team Japan, possible injuries, and some other facts that have surfaced.

Injury Updates and Starting Five for Team USA and Team Japan

Napheesa Collier’s plantar fasciitis, which has sidelined her for the last 5 games in the WNBA, may be the only concern. But through the 28th, no players on either side have been reported injured. This simply brings us to the expected 5 players on both sides.

For the USAWB team, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson are expected to kick off. Jewell Loyd could be a possible replacement if Collier struggles with the injury. For Japan, Mai Yamamoto, Saki Hayashi, Akaho Himawari, Evelyn Mawui and Maki Takada are expected to start.

Prediction: Can Diana Taurasi and co. inflict a first group stage defeat on Japan?

The hunt for their 8th consecutive gold is on and as the expected favorite, Team USA is expected to dominate the floor as the roster is made up of seasoned WNBA veterans. Additionally, it will be 6x Olympian Diana Taurasi who will lead a team that features reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wison who will tie her scoring with Stewart.

The last time they faced Japan, the US dominated with a 90-75 Olympic gold medal win. Brittney Griner led the charge, with a historic 30-point showing, while Breanna Stewart provided the rebounds with 14 rebounds. The Liberty star continued her form with a 15-point game against Germany, while Wilson scored 19 points. The two are expected to step into the front court now, with Chelsea Gray coming in at point guard.

Japan, ranked No. 9 in the FIBA ​​world rankings, is the exception in that it is one of two countries that Team USA has previously defeated at the Olympics, the other being the former Soviet Union.

All in all, if Team USA manages to win another gold, the moment of glory will shine on Diana Taurasi, as she will become the record holder for most gold medals by a player in USA Basketball history. Additionally, the roster features the WNBA’s top four scorers per game, including A’ja Wilson, Jewell Loyd, Kahleah Copper, and Napheesa Collier.

Speaking of the team’s legacy, Team USA has dominated every Olympic Games since 1996, with previous gold medals coming in 1984 and 1988. They did, however, lose to the Soviet Union’s United Team, eventually winning a bronze medal. But after that loss, there has not been a single game in which Team USA has suffered a loss at an Olympic or major tournament.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 talks with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.