Because it has for the past quarter-century, the Olympic men’s basketball tournament boils right down to the U.S... vs. the arena - and the Americans again have an important pre-tournament advantage.

The powerhouse U.S. team rolled to the 2012 final in London, then held off a furious charge by the Spaniards for its second consecutive gold medal. Four years later, the space between the Americans and the remainder of the arena can have grown even wider.

Oddsmakers certainly believe that’s the case, having made the U.S... team a whopping -2,000 favorite - well up from the -700 play the Americans were going into the 2012 Games. And while you check out the roster, it’s clear why the U.S... side has an awesome edge.

The team is led by new Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant, who's joined by teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Star power abounds, with Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving, Ny Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Toronto Raptors teammates Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes, Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George and La Clippers center DeAndre Jordan round out the 12-man roster.

Does any team have a shot at upsetting the two-time Olympic champions? Here’s a glance on the top contenders:

2016-17 NBA rookies not included in NBA player tally

Spain

Odds to win the gold: +1,100Odds to medal: -150Number of current or former NBA players: 8

The two-time defending silver medallist, no team has a greater chance at making history in Rio than a Spanish side boasting an amazing mixture of veteran savvy and youthful energy. Pau Gasol is the lynch pin of the offence, while Ricky Rubio should make things difficult for foes within the backcourt.

The key for Spain might be its production from the swing positions, where Rudy Fernandez and Juan Carlos Ferraro are the predicted starters. Both players had brief careers within the NBA, but might be in tough against teams with more skill and experience at those positions.

France

Odds to win the gold: +1,700Odds to medal: +110Number of current or former NBA players: 7

The French had to win an Olympic qualifying event this summer to book their ticket to Rio, but is in great shape to succeed in the medal round way to a three-headed NBA attack. Veteran point guard Tony Parker, center Rudy Gobert and forward Nicolas Batum give this roster legitimacy and star power.

The most significant role at the team, however, may belong to Boris Diaw, who brings leadership and winning pedigree. His game is fitted to international competition, and he’ll must be at his best, for the reason that his backups - Florent Piteous and Kim Tillie - won’t be capable of handle skilled power forwards.

Serbia

Odds to win the gold: +2,500Odds to medal: +150Number of current or former NBA players: 3

The Serbians haven’t medaled on the Olympics in 20 years, but are of their strongest position to take action since recording a second-place finish on the 1996 Olympic tournament in Atlanta.

Serbia’s frontcourt is the foremost strength, with former NBA player Miroslav Raduljica joined by Denver Nuggets phenom Nikola Jokic. Sacramento Kings prospect Bogdan Bogdanovic anchors a tender but potentially explosive backcourt.

Brazil

Odds to win the gold: +3,000Odds to medal: +350Number of current or former NBA players: 6

The home side can be making its 16th Olympic appearance, and is calling at securing its first medal since claiming bronze on the 1964 Games in Tokyo. A fifth-place finish on the 2012 event in London will need to have confidence high.

Though the Brazilians are light on NBA experience, they do have Leandro Barbosa anchoring the backcourt and Nene Hilario leading the massive men. A well-balanced roster combined with home-court advantage should help.

Lithuania

Odds to win the gold: +3,300Odds to medal: +400Number of current or former NBA players: 1

The Lithuanians are riding high following a second-place performance on the 2015 EuroBasket tournament, and enter the Olympic tournament behind only the U.S. and Spain within the FIBA World Ranking.

While the team is light on NBA experience - center Jonas Valanciunas is the one player at the roster who has appeared in a game - the team is tight-knit, and contours four regulars from Lithuanian league powerhouse BC Zalgiris.

Argentina

Odds to win the gold: +4,000Odds to medal: +500Number of current or former NBA players: 6

Argentina is the last team to win an Olympic title rather than the U.S., and enters this tournament ranked fourth on the planet. The Argentinians are well-positioned to challenge for a medal after placing fourth in 2012.

Legendary shooting guard Manu Ginobili and gear forward Luis Scola form the core of this team, which contains former NBA role players Carlos Delfina and Andres Nocioni. However the lack of Tiago Splitter to a hip injury hurts a lot.

Croatia

Odds to win the gold: +5,000Odds to medal: +700Number of current or former NBA players: 2

Rio marks just the third Olympic appearance for the Croatian side, which won silver in 1992 but hasn’t finished any higher than sixth since. But with two solid NBA players at the roster, Croatia might be primed to make some noise.

Shooting is that this team’s forte, with NBA players Bojan Bogdanovic and Mario Hezonja both able to filling the online. Highly touted power forward Dario Saric and previous NBA guard Roko Ukic should provide solid support.

Read More... [Source: Covers.com: NBA News and Stories]