Golden Ticket, Day 2: Wheat or Chaff?

Throughout the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will prioritize the games of the day for you in Golden Ticket.

Tuesday might have the weakest slate in pool play, but we still have a few interest-piquing matchups.

GOLD: Greece vs Germany, 2:30 a.m. EST The Germans busted out like a disrespected band of unsavory characters on Opening Night, simply destroying the Angolans. But how good are they? The Greeks, who suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of Spain, should be a better litmus test. A loss would murder Greece's slimming medal hopes, considering the U.S. team awaits on Thursday. The Clips own the NBA rights to Greek mammoth Sofo Schortsianitis, so the Sofo-Kaman battle could be fun for LAC fans to absorb.

SILVER: Croatia vs Russia, 11:15 p.m. EST (Note that this game actually kicks off today in the States.) The Russians faced a virtual bye against Iran on Day 1; the Croats made quick work of a decent Australia (who, you know, gave Team USA a scare last week). Russia probably has better talent, starting with Andrei Kirilenko (15/5/3 blocks against Iran) at the top. But Croatia has been strong this summer, beating Germany in Athens without Damir Markota. Markota remains unavailable, but Croatia boasts a credible deep threat (they went 12-for-16 from three against the Aussies) and solid depth. Should be a tight contest.

BRONZE: Spain vs China, 4:45 a.m. EST China's frisky. The Chinese stayed near Team USA for a full half on Sunday (no small feat), and Yao often barked out directions to his young teammates, most notably Yi Jianlian. Mix in what had better be a hostile crowd, and we could have the ingredients for a dazzling upset. Spain is far superior in the backcourt -- Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez and Ricky Rubio should run figure-8s around the Chinese guards -- but I think we have settled that Pau Gasol's post defense is a smidge less than glorious. Spain should win, and likely will. But there's a chance for something epic from the Chinese, and I for one will be rooting them on.

In other action: United States vs Angola, Iran vs Lithuania, Argentina vs Australia.