Ben Simmons' NBA debut is a step closer after the Australian youngster trained without a moon boot for the first time since breaking his foot.

At 208 centimetres and 118 kilograms, Detroit Pistons centre Aron Baynes is a pretty intimidating figure. And with his new partially shaved hairstyle and bushy beard, Baynes could likely be cast as a warrior on the TV series Vikings.

Australian freshman Harry Froling has confirmed he's leaving American college basketball side SMU, expressing disappointment over his role under new coach Tim Jankovich.

Melbourne United are breathing a sigh of relief after big man David Andersen avoided a serious knee injury.

Melbourne United have climbed off the bottom of the NBL ladder with a stunning road win over league leaders Sydney.

LA Clippers star Chris Paul posted an individual night for the ages against New Orleans Pelicans.

LeBron James scored 17 of his season-high 44 points in the fourth quarter and reached another career milestone as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their fourth straight NBA match, a 116-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.

The Brisbane Bullets lost their third straight game 98-88 to a fast paced Illawarra Hawks side led by star import Rotnei Clarke who scored 13 points in the first half and 10 in the first quarter.

Joe Ingles loves life in Salt Lake City but his good form with Utah Jazz could see him earn some free agency offers this offseason.

Melbourne United has sent veteran star David Andersen home for scans on his injured knee meaning he will miss Sunday's clash with Sydney Kings in Sydney.

LeBron James scored 27 points to move into ninth place on the NBA scoring list as the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Miami Heat 114-84.

After Patty Mills' third Olympic appearance for the Boomers he has been recognised as ACT Sport's male athlete of the year.

In the NBA, playing 105 games is barely tearing off your snap pants and in Dante Exum's case it's a tiny sample of a career still taking shape.

The Sydney Kings have won the first series of the NBL season, clinching an 86-78 eight-point comeback win over the Taipans in Cairns.

Canberra duo Kim Brennan and Patty Mills take out the top prizes for athletes of the year after golden moments.

Opals point guard Leilani Mitchell and the Sydney Flames take down the Canberra Capitals, 84-73.

Facing a month on the NBA sidelines, Andrew Bogut is taking at least one positive from his latest knee injury – it wasn't as bad as the last one.

• COMMENT

Andrew Bogut is a formidable basketballer, who played a manful role in Australia's gallant tilt at the windmills in Rio. He is also, more than most sportspeople, socially engaged. I could say, quirkily, doubtfully, provocatively engaged, but he would say the same of my world view.

Joe Ingles will never forget the call he received from close friend Jarryd Roughead telling him about his return to full health and to football.

Marianna Tolo has stamped herself as one of the WNBL's best, but at the back of her mind is her next career move.

The 60-point performance was the first of the NBA season, and first since Kobe Bryant went for 60 in his career finale last April.

CLEVELAND, Dec 5 AP - The Cleveland Cavaliers have made other arrangements for players who do not want to stay at a New York hotel branded by President-elect Donald Trump.

Sydney coach Andrew Gaze has taken a swipe at the NBL's schedule after the league-leading Kings accounted for NSW rivals Illawarra in their top-of-the- table battle at Wollongong.

Hot shooting from distance in the first quarter, and the at-times dominant inside presence of Nathan Jawai were keys to the Cairns Taipans 89-84 victory over the Brisbane Bullets in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Melbourne United have continued their NBL resurgence, cruising to a 98-74 home victory over the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday.

Matthew Dellavedova scored 12 of his season-high 18 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Milwaukee Bucks hold off the Brooklyn Nets 112-103.

Get all the scores and previews of Canberra's weekend sports.

Steve Kerr, the reigning NBA coach of the year with the Golden State Warriors, acknowledged he tried marijuana twice in the past 18 months while dealing with debilitating back pain.

While calls go out for a screenplay about his life, Matthew Dellavedova is writing a new chapter in his NBA career.

Mikaela Ruef saved her best game of the year to lead the Capitals to a 24-point win over the Boomers.

NBA rookie Thon Maker wants to play for the Australian Boomers and he is making overtures about moving into the national team ranks.

Capitals coach Paul Goriss will lead the Australian Gems in World Championship qualifier in Fiji.

As fan favourite Carly Wilson prepares to play game 350, the Canberra Capitals aren't ready to let the sharp-shooting guard slip into retirement.

Milwaukee have beaten Cleveland 118-101 in Matthew Dellavedova's first game against his former NBA team.

After knocking off the WNBL's two dominant teams, the Canberra Capitals are wary of suddenly becoming the hunted.

A powerful performance from promising tall Lauren Scherf has helped Dandenong to top spot in the WNBL, but the misery continues for Townsville.

Patty Mills is committed to San Antonio Spurs, but could be on the radar of several NBA clubs when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.

The Canberra Capitals have shot to WNBL title contention with a 87-82 win over Perth Lynx.

A three-point basket from new import Casper Ware with two seconds remaining has given Melbourne United a 95-92 upset win over the Sydney Kings in the NBL on Saturday night.