We're getting down to crunch time in the men's and women's basketball competitions, with just two days of group play left before entering the knockout round next week. Saturday's action will go a long way toward setting the quarterfinal picture, highlighted by the U.S. men taking the court for their final Group C game against Puerto Rico. Here's everything to watch for in Olympic basketball on Aug. 3.
FULL MEN'S STANDINGS
FULL WOMEN'S STANDINGS
What to watch for in Olympic basketball, Aug. 3
U.S. looks to finish group play strong
The U.S. has already clinched its place in the quarterfinals, but there's still plenty on the line as it faces Puerto Rico in its final group-stage game at 11:15 a.m. ET Saturday. For starters, perfection is always the standard for Team USA. But there are also knockout-round considerations: Another commanding win will put the Americans into one of the top two overall spots, ensuring they'll be on the opposite side of the bracket as the other top-two team, Germany. Plus, this will be a great opportunity for the U.S. to sort out some rotation questions and potentially gives it big names a bit of a breather.
Final third-place spot on the line
Two spots remain in the men's knockout bracket, and both will be determined by the result of the other Group C game between Serbia and South Sudan at 3 p.m. ET. The winner will automatically advance as the second-place team in the group. The loser, however, may still be able to sneak in as the second-ranked third-place team. It'll all come down to point differential versus Greece: Serbia sits at +15, South Sudan at -6 and Greece at -8.
Battle of unbeatens in Group A
Over on the women's side, things are a bit more unsettled, as the final round of group play is set to get underway Saturday. First order of business: A war for Group A, as undefeated Serbia and Spain square off at 7:30 a.m. ET. Spain has been on a high-wire act so far, riding former Iowa star Megan Gustafson and some wild late-game heroics to its 2-0 record. Serbia, meanwhile, has been a bit more conventional, holding off a late charge from Puerto Rico before hammering China. The winner will be in great shape to wind up on the opposite side of the bracket as the U.S.