Five things to know before day six of 3x3 at Paris Olympics
PARIS (France) - There are major implications for the men's teams on a massive day six of the 3x3 competition at the Paris Olympics.
Let's look at the things to know on a day which brings a close to the pool stage before the two play-in games complete the draw for the semi-finals.
Fight for a direct path to the semis is on
Latvia, the only team in the entire competition undefeated, can feel relatively stress free on day six knowing their place in the semis is secure.
There are only three teams who can join them through a direct route - fellow European powerhouses Serbia, Netherlands and Lithuania.
To add some spice, Serbia and Lithuania will do battle in a clash between teams currently sitting second and fourth on the table. Serbia can book a spot with victory in what will be a confidence boost for them.
Having been basically unbeaten since winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, Serbia's form has been shaky but they've still been good enough to boast a 4-2 record.
They'll need superstar Strahinja Stojacic to rediscover his best having played within himself so far averaging only 4 .2 ppg.
He has shown glimpses of magic, notably his buzzer beater two against Netherlands in what has become a crucial result, but Stojacic will need to start getting back to playing at his GOAT level.
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Lithuania, who are 3-3, will need to win to have a chance of reaching the semis directly. But Lithuania and the Netherlands wins will make things interesting as they will join Serbia with 4 wins apiece.
Play-in spots still to be determined
There are still two play-in spots up for grabs, with four teams fighting to keep their Olympic dream alive.
But unless some type of miracle happens, China is almost certainly out of the equation being the only team in the men's draw with just one win.
USA, France and Poland - with two wins apiece - are right in the mix. After Canyon Barry's scoring binge on day four, USA have fought back from the brink and overcame the absence of injured superstar Jimmer Fredette .
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USA, France and Poland are all locked on two wins. Poland face Latvia, while USA also has the tough task of playing Netherlands.
France's hopes are high as they will be warm favorite to beat China to start day six
Les Bleus has been energized by the feverish crowd and you just know the decibel levels will reach new heights as France's moment of truth arrives.
'Hype Worthy' is still hooping despite ailment
Who has the most highlights so far? It's Worthy de Jong, which shouldn't really be surprising because he's a human highlight reel.
But it actually is astonishing because 'Hype Worthy' has been able to still deliver insane plays while battling an ankle injury.
He was notably subdued on day three, but de Jong moved around far more freely on day four to lead the Netherlands to vital wins over Poland and Lithuania.
The Dutch hoops legend has had to pick his spots and is being cautious of going into attack mode like we're used to.
It's meant his teammates have had to step up and they've done exactly that with Dimeo van der Horst proving why he's a bucket getter, while sharpshooter Arvin Slagter is starting to get the shooter's touch.
But the Dutch will need a fit and firing de Jong and they'll hope his ankle continues to feel better.
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Will Jimmer return?
Mainly due to Canyon Barry turning into Captain America, the USA are still a chance to make it to the play-in.
It has been a remarkable effort having been without superstar Jimmer Fredette since he injured his groin against Poland on day two.
Fredette is listed as day-to-day, but a return appears doubtful. That means Barry will have to continue having an out of body experience. But after producing all-time performances on day four, you just can't doubt him anymore.
Seguela will be center of attention
With France's highly-rated women's team shockingly eliminated, France's hopes rest with their men's team. Unlike their compatriots, the Frenchmen have risen to the pressure of being hosts and it's fueled them to nail-biting victories on the opening two days.
But France have lost four straight and are now in jeopardy of missing out on the play-in, which would be a major anti-climax for the French faithful who have provided surreal scenes every time their heroes step on the half-court.
After working his way into the tournament, superstar Franck Seguela was at his best on day four with a monster 17 points but it wasn't enough as France fell in tight losses to Latvia and USA.
He was almost the hero against Latvia with what appeared to be the two-piece buzzer beater only for his foot to be on the line before Nauris Miezis called game.
After France's favored pick and roll game fell apart, Seguela has started to work his magic and find his spots to perfection. If he can continue his aggressive form then France might just be able to prolong their Olympic dream.
He will then be able to bask in adulation of his adoring fans.
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FIBA