The prize is within sight, but a couple of roadblocks remain. For Team USA, the next step, the semifinals of these 2016 Olympics, has a familiar foe standing in the way.

Call it Round 3 of a fairly lopsided fight so far. Team USA plays Spain, a team with veterans, the same squad it has defeated in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Gold Medals games, once again. And while most of the current Team USA roster has not experienced contests against Spain, the players familiar with the matchup understand the challenge ahead in Rio de Janeiro.

"They are going to use a lot of movement," Team USA forward Kevin Durant told NBC Sports following Wednesday's quarterfinal victory over Argentina. "Pau Gasol is a load down there in the post. They've got great guards that can penetrate, shoot, and pass. We have our work cut out for us, but we're looking forward to it."

So it begins Friday at 1:30 p.m. CST. The opportunity to advance to another Gold Medal Game has arrived.

HOW THEY GOT HERE:

United States: Beat Argentina, 105-78, in the quarterfinals on Wednesday 

Spain: Beat France, 92-67, in the quarterfinals on Wednesday

MATCHUP STRENGTH:

United States: Momentum. Yes, Team USA enters the game as a double-digit favorite, just as it usually is, and rightfully so. However, judging the vast different of play during the quarterfinals to group play, it looks like an energized squad. Team USA has its swagger back, and that is scary for any team in its path.

Spain: International experience. Not only that, it has experience together. Although Team USA possess more talent and depth, the game minutes Spain has as a unit can be just as deadly. Fall asleep on defense and Spain will capitalize, which will present a challenge.

THE STARTERS (QUARTERFINAL STATISTICS):

UNITED STATES:
PG: Kyrie Irving (11 points, 3 assists)
SG: Klay Thompson (4 points, 4 rebounds)
SF: Kevin Durant (27 points, 7 rebounds)
PF: Carmelo Anthony (7 points, 5 rebounds)
C: DeAndre Jordan (2 points, 4 rebounds)

KEY RESERVE(S): DeMarcus Cousins (15 points, 2 rebounds); Paul George (17 points, 8 rebounds)

SPAIN:
PG: Ricky Rubio  (6 points, 5 assists)
SG: Sergio Llull (10 points, 4 rebounds)
SF: Rudy Fernandez (6 points, 2 assists)
PF: Nikola Mirotic (23 points, 5 rebounds)
C: Pau Gasol (5 points, 8 rebounds)

KEY RESERVE: Willy Hernangomez (16 points, 5 rebounds)


​​​PLAYER TO WATCH:
​​
United States: Kyrie Irving. A natural scorer, Irving should have no problem in that department. It is his defense, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, to keep an eye on here. He will be a key on both ends to help Team USA advance.

Spain: Nikola Mirotic. A big body who can stretch the floor, Mirotic's size at 6-foot-10 could cause some issues for a smaller Team USA lineup. He filled it up in the quarterfinal win over France, so watch out for the possibility of more hot shooting.

​PREDICTION:

​Although this has the potential to be a close game, it likely will not be. The burst and activity Team USA showed against Argentina, particularly defensively, makes it hard to believe this will be anything within single digits. It is the semifinals, though, so anything goes.