Tokyo 2020: When do Kevin Durant and the USA men's basketball team play next?

After a thrilling game against FIVB World Cup winners Spain, the USA have booked their place in the semi-final of 5x5 basketball at Tokyo 2020. So what's next for the United States? Who do they play in the semis? When will that game take place?

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(2021 Getty Images)

After a closely contested quarter-final tie against Spain, the USA men's basketball team booked their place in the semi-finals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The United States will be facing Australia in a bid to get into the gold medal match.

Here's how you can watch, and why it matters for Team USA.

(2021 Getty Images)

Who will Team USA be facing in the men's basketball semi-finals?

The United States will play Australia in the semi-final. Victory would guarantee a medal, gold or silver.

The Aussies are yet to be beaten in the competition so far, with only Italy coming within three points of them.

Other than that, Australia have done well to put daylight between themselves and their opponents in their bid for gold.

They proved too much for Argentina in the quarter-final tie, winning 97-59.

Patty Mills was the star of the knockout show, picking up a game-high 18 points.

Joe Ingles, Matisse Thybulle, Jock Landale and Nick Kay were the closest with 11, 12, 12, and 10 points respectively.

And that is testament to the strength the Australian team have in depth; giving them multiple options to call upon at crucial points.

(2021 Getty Images)

Kevin Durant: Key to Team USA medal success?

Following an opening defeat to France, the USA have since gone unbeaten in Japan.

And basketball sensation Kevin Durant has been at the heart of their formidable form.

KD began to find his rhythm against Czech Republic with 23 points and six assists, and upped his game even further in the quarter-final with four assists and 29 points.

His impact has been undeniable, with his winning mentality helping pull the USA from behind to beat Spain.

In a team that has relatively little Olympic experience, Durant brings leadership and inspiration as he works towards what would be his third-consecutive Olympic gold.

But the Spaniards, led by Ricky Rubio, who registered a game-high of 38 points in the quarter-finals, have shown that the USA are not untouchable.

When do Team US play in the men's basketball semi-final?

The attention of the American team is now firmly on that men's semi-final, which takes place at the Saitama Super Arena from 13:15 JST on Thursday (August 5) in Japan. That's 00:15 in New York, or 21:15 on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

You can find out where to watch all the action at the Tokyo Olympic Games by clicking here.

You can read more about basketball at Tokyo 2020, and all other events from the Games, in the official Tokyo 2020 Olympics live blog.

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