Will Kevin Durant play in Team USA’s first 2024 Olympics game against Serbia?

As expected, Team USA won all five of their USA Basketball Showcase games ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. However, unconvincing victories over Australia, Germany and, in particular, South Sudan, are a cause for concern, as are Kevin Durant’s ongoing injury issues.

What injury does Kevin Durant have?

The 14-time NBA All-Star has already won three Olympic gold medals with the US (2012, 2016 and 2020) and is the country’s all-time leading scorer in the men’s tournament at the Games. However, there could be chance he doesn’t get to add to his achievements despite still being a key member of Steve Kerr’s roster.

Durant didn’t play in any of the USA Basketball Showcase games because of a calf injury, which he sustained more than two weeks ago, before the Olympics training camp in Las Vegas.

While rumours suggested the 35-year-old would make his return in Monday’s game against Germany, Kerr continued to err on the side of caution.

“Hopes are dim” for Durant to play against Serbia

And even though Team USA’s first game of the 2024 Olympics against Serbia isn’t until Sunday, July 28, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told SportsCenter that Durant has only a slim chance of being involved.

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“They really were hoping that he’d be able to play one of these exhibition games in London. Obviously, they’re going to be very cautious here. They believe he will be able to play, but the hopes are dim for him to play against Serbia.”

When does Team USA have to name its final roster?

Following the win against Germany, Kerr said there was “no thought” about replacing Durant on the Olympic roster. However, if the Suns star’s fitness doesn’t improve in the immediate future, Team USA has until Saturday, July 27 to name its final squad, and therefore a potential substitute.