The Games plan

Aug. 22

Men's basketball. Expect the United States and Spain in the semifinals. But who else? Manu Ginobili is injured and might not be of much help to defending champion Argentina.

Track and field. The United States' Bryan Clay is among the medal favorites in the decathlon, but he hasn't been healthy this year.

Baseball. The United States and Cuba should advance at least into the semifinals.

Aug. 23

Basketball. The men's final begins at 11:30 p.m. PDT. Will this group of U.S. superstars really be the Redeem Team? It could find out in the finals. If Kobe and friends are in the earlier bronze-medal game, then you know the answer. The women's final earlier in the day provides exposure for the WNBA. Look for the United States and either Becky Hammon's Russian team or Lauren Jackson's Australian team in the final.

Track and field. One last chance for distance runners to breathe the fresh air of Beijing in the men's marathon. A Kenyan will win. Or maybe an Ethiopian.

Boxing. Where have you gone, Teofilo Stevenson? A heavyweight champion will be crowned.

Aug. 24

Closing ceremony. Juan Antonio Samaranch would have used this occasion to pronounce it "the best Games ever," but his Belgian successor as IOC president, Jacques Rogge, is more reticent.