The United States is slated to face their neighbors in the north in the Olympics on Wednesday, but they'll be shorthanded. While the majority of Team USA's roster will play in the exhibition match, head coach Steve Kerr is holding out one key chess piece.

Star forward Kevin Durant will be out with a calf strain, via ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

“Steve Kerr said Kevin Durant won’t play against Canada tomorrow but that everyone else should,” Bontemps tweeted. “Durant missed his fourth straight practice with a calf strain.”

Kerr sounded off on Durant's ailment, via USA basketball writer Mike Hall.

“He's already doing plenty of things on the side,” Kerr said. “Not with the team yet, but strengthening, treatment. He said he's feeling a bit better, and we'll just keep taking it day-by-day, and it won't be long before he's out on the court with us.”

Durant is coming off of yet another quality season for the Phoenix Suns. The 35-year-old turned in 27.1 points per game on 52.3% shooting, with 6.6 rebounds and five assists across 75 regular-season contests. His Suns then got bounced in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by new Olympic teammate Anthony Edwards.

Article Continues Below
More Olympics News
Jordan Chiles
Jordan Chiles, Nike collab on limited-edition sneakersZachary Draves ·
United States guard LeBron James (6) celebrates with the gold medal after defeating France in the men's basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James gives firm stance on 2028 LA OlympicsBrett Siegel ·
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium.
Tyreek Hill’s hilarious reaction to Noah Lyles pulling out of raceBenedetto Vitale ·
[Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Olympic
Auston Matthews, Tkachuk brothers named to Team USA for OlympicsChristopher Hennessy ·
[Imagn Images direct customers only] United States forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game against Canada at TD Garden
Olympic hockey teams to make limited preliminary roster reveal for 2026Christopher Hennessy ·
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) reacts to a call during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium.
Sauce Gardner makes Olympic declarationZachary Draves ·

While the NBA season may have took a toll on Durant's aging legs, it shouldn't be a long-term issue, via The Athletic's Joe Vardon.

“Durant, USA Basketball’s all-time leading scorer, did not participate in the team’s walkthrough Tuesday, nor in any of the full-contact portions of practices or team scrimmages in training camp, which opened Saturday on campus at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas,” Vardon wrote. “He was experiencing soreness before camp started and was held out as a precaution, team officials have said, as the injury is not believed to be serious.”

When can the squad expect the future Hall-of-Famer to be back in the lineup?

Durant's veteran presence will be vital to Team USA in the 2024 Olympics

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) conducts a postgame interview after his team defeated the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
© D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

One of the many good things about this year's American Olympics squad is its mixture of young and old talent. Durant is joined by fellow members of the NBA's “old guard,” such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kawhi Leonard. However, players like Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton could all benefit from Durant's tutelage.

Luckily for Team USA, Durant should be back well before the games start to count. The Group Stage doesn't begin until July 28th, when the team will face Serbia in Lille, France. Ideally, the “Slim Reaper” will be able to warm up in one or two exhibition matches before then, but the veteran should be able to get back up to speed quickly either way.