One of the most competitive European basketball championships in history is going to make it difficult for world champion Spain to add another crown.

Even so, with at least five NBA players on the roster and a home crowd, Spain is favored to win.

Paul Gasol will lead the Spaniards when the tournament opens Monday, while defending champion Greece is looking to become the first repeat winner in a decade.

France, with Tony Parker, and Germany, with Dirk Nowitzki, are also in the running.