The Australian men's basketball team will face defending champions the USA in the group stage of this year's Olympics, delaying a possible meeting in the knockout rounds.
The world No.1 outfit have eliminated the Boomers in the quarter-finals of the past two Games, in London and Beijing, denying them a crack at an elusive Olympic medal.
But being drawn in the same group gives them a chance to progress before potentially facing the Americans again deep in the finals phase.
Australia have been drawn in Group A, alongside the USA, China, Venezuela and two teams to be decided at qualifying tournaments in July.
Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Lithuania headline Group B, which also includes Nigeria and one qualifier.
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Andrej Lemanis' men will open their campaign against two qualifiers on August 6 and 8, before the USA on August 10, China on August 12 and Venezuela on August 14.
The Australian women's team are scheduled to play Brazil first-up, followed by clashes with two qualifiers, then Japan and another qualifier.
The Opals are aiming to win their sixth consecutive Olympic medal but first gold.
RIO OLYMPICS BASKETBALL DRAW:
BOOMERS:
* August 6 v qualifier
* August 8 v qualifier
* August 10 v USA
* August 12 v China
* August 14 v Venezuela
OPALS:
* August 6 v Brazil
* August 7/8 v qualifier
* August 9 v qualifier
* August 11 v Japan
* August 13 v qualifier
