ARG - Argentina, favourite to top Group B

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) - Argentina have so much talent they should win Group B despite their physical problems.

Carlos Delfino will miss at least Tuesday's game against Paraguay and is doubtful against Uruguay, while Fabricio Oberto will be able to play his first game against Puerto Rico, Friday.

Luis Scola has recovered from a knee surgery 15 days before the tournament tips off.

However, Argentina, ranked 3rd in the world, are big favourite to finish unbeaten in Group B.

Emanuel Ginóbili and Scola will lead the side in scoring, whle Andrés Nocioni will add energy and scoring from beyond the arc.

Puerto Rico will be Argentina's biggest contenders.

Coach Flor Meléndez will surround the two NBA guards, Carlos Arroyo, Juan José Barea with big guys Renaldo Balkman and Daniel Santiago.

Puerto Rico have historically suffered from being irregular, as they could beat the best team in the world on one day and lose to a mediocre team on the following day.

Uruguay and Panama will initially fight for the Group's third place.

Uruguay are a defensive team, famous for their fierce and capability to score in the fast break. Efes Pilsen (Turkey) center Esteban Batista recovered from a leg tear and is ready to lead the team in scoring and rebounding.

Panama have played few warm-up games after completing the squad.

Denver Nuggets shooting guard Gary Forbes will carry the responsibility of scoring. Forbes averaged 17.8 points in four games of the 2007 FIBA Americas in Las Vegas.

Paraguay will be happy to win at least one game. Javier Martínez appears as the team's best player.

FIBA