Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis fighting illness before Olympics opener - ESPN

PARIS — Having the two best big men dealing with illness when facing a three-time NBA MVP isn't ideal, but that is what Team USA is dealing with as it readies to open Olympic play.

Joel Embiid missed practice Saturday with an illness, while coach Steve Kerr revealed that Anthony Davis had missed practice time over the past several days with illness just ahead of the national team's opener against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on Sunday.

Kerr, however, isn't worried anyone will be forced to miss the game, as Davis was able to practice Saturday.

«I'm confident we'll have everybody ready tomorrow,» Kerr said.

That seems to include Kevin Durant, who took part in his third consecutive practice and is on track to play against Serbia after missing Team USA's five exhibition games with a calf injury.

«Hopefully [he'll play],» Kerr said. «He came through the scrimmage two days ago pretty well, and we'll have another practice today and we'll just keep taking it day by day.»

Kerr didn't commit to immediately starting Durant, though that likely will be the role at some point for the all-time leading scorer for Team USA at the Olympics. One thing that has been made clear is Durant's teammates are anxious to have him out there.

«Instant impact,» LeBron James said of Durant on Saturday. «He looked extremely well the other day in practice. Obviously his wind and his rhythm is going to continue to come, but if we're able to get him back and make a huge impact to our club.»

Added Jrue Holiday: «That's Kevin Durant. What are we even talking about?»

Team USA beat Serbia handily 105-79 on July 17 in Abu Dhabi. They collectively did an excellent job on Jokic in that game, holding him to an uncharacteristic 6-of-19 shooting. The Serbians, however,