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.
MORE: Re-ranking Team USA’s players at the pre-Olympics midway point
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?
Durant returned to Team USA practice Friday, July 19, as shown in photos shared by the program. Durant was ruled out of Team USA’s final exhibition game vs. Germany, marking five absences in as many tune-up games.
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.
MORE: Team USA found its answer for Nikola Jokic — and it’s not Joel Embiid
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 |