Why is Kevin Durant not playing tonight? Latest injury updates on USA star for Olympic exhibition game vs. Australia | Sporting News

USA Basketball’s 2024 Paris Olympics showcase tour is underway.

The United States got out to a strong start in their first exhibition game against Canada. Its second unit of Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo and Tyrese Haliburton powered the team to its first victory, handling Canada 86-72 in Las Vegas.

Head coach Steve Kerr had to navigate a starting lineup without superstar forward Kevin Durant, who missed the opening contest with a calf injury. Without Durant, Kerr went with a starting five of Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, LeBron James and Joel Embiid.

Will Durant be back in action for Team USA’s second tune-up game against Australia? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.

DECOURCY: Team USA’s oldest men’s basketball team starts a bit slow in exhibition opener

Why Kevin Durant isn’t playing for Team USA vs. Australia

Durant will not play against Australia because of a calf injury.

Durant was considered “day by day,” according to ESPN’s Marc Spears on July 10.

“It’s uncertain if he will play in the two upcoming exhibitions in Abu Dhabi,” Spears added. “USA Basketball is confident that Durant will be healthy in time to play in the Paris Olympics.”

Team USA’s first official Olympic game isn’t until July 28, so the star forward has plenty of time to rest his calf. If that is USA Basketball’s primary target for Durant’s return, it feels unlikely that he will force a comeback in the second of five exhibition games ahead of the tournament.

Durant will almost certainly be a starter when he’s back to full strength as USA Basketball’s all-time leading scorer.

Check back for updates on the three-time Olympic gold medalist’s availability as they become available.

MORE: How worried should Team USA be about Joel Embiid’s debut?

How to watch USA Basketball before Olympics

All four of Team USA’s remaining men’s basketball exhibition games will be broadcast live on Fox’s family of networks. 

After taking on Canada in Las Vegas, the Americans traveled to Abu Dhabi for two more exhibition games against Australia and Serbia. It will then travel to London for its final two exhibition games against South Sudan and Germany.

You can stream Team USA games online with fuboTV, which offers a free seven-day trial.

When do the Olympics start?

The opening ceremony at the 2024 Olympics is July 26. The men’s basketball tournament tips off the next day on July 27 and ends with the medal games on Aug. 10.

Team USA is one of 12 teams to qualify for the Paris Olympics. It will play in Group C with Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico.

You can stream Team USA games online with fuboTV, which offers a free seven-day trial.