As Team USA continues its preparation for the Olympics, it has not been at full strength due to an injury plaguing Kevin Durant.
The two-time Finals MVP has missed each of the team’s first four pre-Olympic exhibition games with a left calf injury he suffered before USA Basketball training camp began July 6.
While Durant’s return was once unclear, it may be imminent. Here’s what you need to know as Team USA hopes to welcome Durant back into the lineup during Olympic play.
What is Kevin Durant’s injury?
Durant’s injury is a left calf strain.
Calf strains vary in severity and the grade of strain often determines the timeline for a safe return to action. Team USA initially listed Durant as “day to day” and the expectation for him to return to action would suggest the strain is not severe.
How long is Kevin Durant out?
He is still considered day to day for the Olympics, however he will be with the team in Paris. Team USA head coach Steve Kerr made it clear that the team never considered taking the talented shooter off the roster.
“There’s no thought of replacing Kevin,” Kerr said. “I was hoping he would get a game in here, but it just didn’t work out that way.”
Durant’s agent, Rich Kleiman, revealed that Durant was available for selection for USA’s clash with Germany. However, it seems the coaching staff opted against giving him the nod until he returns to full fitness.
“The plan is for him to get in the scrimmage and see how he handles that,” Kerr said on Wednesday. “He looked good today and he did everything and got a lot of shots up and told me he’s feeling pretty good.”
Team USA plays its first game on Sunday, July 28.
Ahead of training camp, Team USA officials revealed that Durant was experiencing soreness before participating in last week’s training camp. As USA basketball’s all-time leading scorer, Durant’s contributions will be needed, especially against some of the world’s best international competition.
Check back for updates on Durant’s status as they become available.
USA men’s basketball schedule
Here is Team USA’s schedule for the pre-Olympic exhibition games and the Olympic basketball tournament. Team USA is one of 12 men’s teams that will compete in the Olympic tournament.
Pre-Olympics exhibition games
Date
Game/Result
Time (ET)
TV channel
July 10
USA 86, Canada 72
—
—
July 15
USA 98, Australia 92
—
—
July 17
USA 105, Serbia 79
—
—
July 20
USA 101, South Sudan 100
—
July 22
USA 92, Germany 88
—
—
Olympics basketball schedule
Date
Game
Time (ET)
TV Channel
July 28
USA vs. Serbia
11:15 a.m.
NBC
July 31
USA vs. South Sudan
3 p.m.
NBC
Aug. 3
USA vs. Puerto Rico
11:15 a.m.
NBC
Aug. 6
Men’s basketball quarterfinals
TBD
Aug. 8
Men’s basketball semifinals
TBD
Aug. 10
Men’s basketball gold-medal game
TBD
Aug. 10
Men’s basketball bronze-medal game
TBD
News
SUITE SURPRISE Bachelorette fans think Jenn Tran slipped up and revealed ‘secret fling’ with Pete Davidson after Devin’s Fantasy Suite
Plus, Bachelorette fans rage over yet another schedule change ahead of the finale BACHELORETTE fans have been convinced Jenn Tran and Pete Davidson had a secret fling after Monday’s Fantasy Suite episode. During the show, Jenn and finalist Devin, a…
DEEP WOUND Mariah Carey admitted it was ‘safer’ to have no contact with her brother and sister before Alison’s tragic death
Alison Carey, 63, died on the same day as Mariah’s mother Patricia, 87, the singer confirmed MARIAH Carey reflected on her complicated relationships with her siblings years before sister Alison Carey’s tragic death. On Monday, Mariah, 55, announced that her mother Patricia Carey,…
MARIAH’S PAIN From being offered cocaine & ‘pimped out’ by sister aged 12 to sick arson attacks – Mariah Carey’s traumatic family life
The star hit rock bottom in 2001, saying she was ‘broken down by the very people who were supposed to keep me whole’ WHEN Mariah Carey’s mom and sister both died this weekend the pop legend had to be careful…
MOVING ON Ben Affleck looks happier than ever during fast food run after he was spotted with Kick Kennedy following split from JLo
BEN Affleck has been spotted showing off his smile during an outing after his divorce from Jennifer Lopez. The actor stopped for fast food in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday. 6 Ben Affleck smiling ear to ear while ordering fast…
SUPER BUMP Nicki Minaj shares pregnancy photos in new Gag City Reloaded album announcement leaving fans confused
And why some fans weren’t too thrilled to see Nicki posing with her husband NICKI Minaj has been promoting the upcoming release of her Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded deluxe album with a mix of current and former pregnancy photos. The…
IT’S A WASH Channing Tatum slammed for his ‘disgusting’ and ‘wasteful’ laundry habit in failed ‘attempt to seem relatable’
Fans recently expressed concern for Channing after he shared several bizarre selfies online CHANNING Tatum has been slammed for his wasteful laundry habit in what critics have called a failed attempt to seem relatable. The Don’t Blink star opened up…
End of content
No more pages to load
