EUROBASKET 2011

Dirk Nowitzki makes his much-awaited return to the German national team

France v Latvia - Wednesday at 17:45

Anyone watching a very athletic, powerful France take on Latvia in their opening Group B game on Wednesday in Siauliai could view it as a contest of experience against youth.

France's star-studded side has players that have shined for the national team, and their clubs, in recent years.

Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Mickael Gelabale and Florent Pietrus won bronze medals at EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade and two years later, playmaker Parker of San Antonio was MVP of the 2007 NBA Finals.

Meanwhile, fans will see the youngest Latvia squad ever to play at a EuroBasket, with an average age of less than 23.

One advantage for the Baltic side, which has its tallest-ever squad at a EuroBasket (average height 1.99m), is that many fans are making the short trip from Riga to offer support.

Among those making EuroBasket bows will be Joakim Noah, Kevin Seraphin and Andrew Albicy for France, and 18-year-old Davis Bertans for Latvia.

Germany v Israel - Wednesday at 21:00

No player has caused a buzz in Europe in 2011 more than Germany's Dirk Nowitzki, the 2011 NBA Finals MVP of the Dallas Mavericks.

The 33-year-old Nowitzki, and center Chris Kaman, have returned to the Dirk Bauermann-coached German squad for the first time since 2008.

They will lead the side against Arik Shivek's Israel in the third Group B game of opening day.

Kaman has been effective since joining the team late in their preparations.

Israel lost star player Omri Casspi to injury in the EuroBasket build-up but have plenty of firepower, and experience.