You just know that it’s officially ON now.

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China is almost here and as far as the national basketball team of Germany is concerned, they made it just in the nick of time, thanks to NBA German phenom Dirk Nowitzki of course.

You read it, Germany has qualified for the coming Beijing Games on August 8, joining the American team in what should be a very strong Group B basketball division in the Olympics.

It was the LAST available spot in Beijing and Germany seized the opportunity, making sure they will have that one remaining spot. Led by Dirk Nowitzki, Germany beat Puerto Rico, 96-82, to finish in third place at the Olympic qualifying tournament.

The Dallas Mavericks German superstar finished with 32 points to earn a possible rematch with the powerhouse United States team in the Olympics. The last time the Germans met the Americans in an international basketball tournament, it was in the semifinals of the 2006 world championships when the Germans came up with an upset win over this American team flooded with NBA talent.

Although Germany was defeated by Spain in the end, they were still the team that eliminated Team USA in a basketball tournament and THAT is already saying something with or without a trophy to show for it.

You just know they will be looking to do the same come August.

Germany joins the United States in what should be a very talented Group B. 2006 world championships winners Spain will also be there along with Greece, Angola and host China.

US basketball team assistant coach Mike D’Antoni knows that their team will again be up to the same odds that resulted in a very unfortunate letdown in 2006. He hopes the American team will be prepared for the battle ahead this time around.

‘’It’s going to be the same cast of characters,'’ Mike D’Antoni said. ‘’It’s going to be Greece and Spain. We more or less know the teams that are going to be there.'’

Can Team USA win the 2008 Beijing Olympics Basketball Tournament? AcesAce Sportsbook has the odds.

United States -450

Spain +400

Argentina +550

Italy +2500

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more Olympic Games betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

2008 Beijing Olympic Games Dirk Nowitzki