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The women’s 5×5 basketball competition has begun, with Group A action kicking things off on Sunday, July 28. All four Group B teams will begin play on Monday, July 29. The first game will be Nigeria vs. Australia at 5:00 a.m. ET, followed by Canada vs. France at 11:15 a.m. ET. Both games will be streamable on Peacock and nbcolympics.com.

Australia looks to establish dominance

In the first Group B game, Australia will be looking to start the Olympic games with an easy win. They will be led by Tess Madgen and players with a rich WNBA background, such as Ezi Magbegor of the Seattle Storm, Steph Talbot of the Los Angeles Sparks and Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx. If Australia is the top team they appear to be on paper, they should cruise to a win versus Nigeria.

Nigeria has an uphill battle in this contest, as well as in this group. They not only suffered some difficult loses in exhibition matches prior to the Olympics, but also are dealing with a lack of support from the Nigeria Olympic Committee and Nigeria Basketball Federation. They will be looking to make a statement with their play starting on Monday.

Canadian hardware on the way?

Canada is stacked with top-tier talent. They have plenty of players that can produce like Kayla Alexander and Aaliyah Edwards. The United States’ neighbors from the north have never medaled in women’s basketball, but this just might be the moment where that changes.

To get started on the right foot they’ll have to defeat and equally formidable team in France. France’s strong homecourt advantage means they will have a say in who medals in Paris.

This game will likely be a tightly-contested one with both teams appearing evenly matched. With only a handful of group games, every matchup matters so whoever wins will earn much-needed points against a tough opponent.

Game information

Nigeria vs. Australia

When: Monday, July 29 at 5:00 a.m. ET

Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France

How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com

Nigeria injury report: none

Australia injury report: none

Canada vs. France

When: Monday, July 29 at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France

How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com

Canada injury report: none

France injury report: none