Melbourne United guard Peter Hooley has had to wait and work for his chance at the NBL, but now he can continue to push his cause on against Brisbane Bullets on Boxing Day.

Australia's young basketball star Ben Simmons says there's no need to panic despite his Philadelphia 76ers suffering a 102-86 loss to the Toronto Raptors which continued their lean NBA trot.

An emotion-charged Andrew Gaze has apologised to fans for his "colourful language" during Sydney's stirring 101-95 NBL comeback win over Brisbane.

​A desperate Sydney Kings have staged a courageous comeback to snap Brisbane's four-game winning streak in a tense 101-95 NBL win on the road.

Melbourne Boomers have locked in their first finals appearance in four years despite a groin injury to Liz Cambage and a big loss to top team Perth Lynx on Saturday.

The Capitals claimed their fourth win in five games in a nail-biting finish.

Melbourne United went deep down the bench and found some match-winning performances to claim a key win over Adelaide 36ers at Hisense Arena on Friday night.

Melbourne United have found an NBA calibre replacement for Casey Prather with small forward Carrick Felix joining the team as an injury replacement.

The 19-year-old point guard has already been dubbed an Opal-in-waiting.

Melbourne Boomers' final fate won't be known until after next week's last round but they could keep their fate in their own hands should they upset Perth Lynx in Perth on Saturday.

Ben Simmons has top scored with 20 points for Philadelphia but a career-high 45 points from DeMar DeRozan led the Toronto Raptors to a 114-109 NBA win.

Unheralded bench forward Rob Loe poured in a career-high 24 points to lead the New Zealand Breakers to a tense comeback win against the Sydney Kings.

The valiant Capitals couldn't pull off a dream upset as their winning run ended.

Craig Moller faces the biggest test of his brief NBL career as he helps Melbourne fill the void left by Casey Prather's elbow injury for some crucial games in their season.

Ben Simmons' campaign to become the first Australian-raised NBA All-Star begins when early fan voting opens on Friday morning (AEDT).

The Capitals young gun had a one-on-one session with Australian Opals coach Sandy Brondello.

Ben Simmons had 19 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for the Philadelphia 76ers, but it wasn't enough as the Sixers' slump continued with a 117-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

Nat Hurst will be given until game day to prove her fitness.

Melbourne United have started their search for a replacement import for injured star Casey Prather but may not have two wait two games for him to arrive.

LeBron James used a visit to Washington on Sunday to express his continued displeasure at Donald Trump, without once mentioning the United States president by name.

Reggie Bullock has scored a career-high 20 points as the Detroit Pistons tied a franchise record with 17 three-pointers in a 114-110 NBA victory over the Orlando Magic.

Maddison Rocci was forced to shoulder the load with captain Nat Hurst ruled out.

Melbourne Boomers and Perth Lynx gave WNBL fans a potential grand final preview on Sunday with the Lynx coming up big in the last minute to claim a 92-89 win.

The Sydney Kings pulled off a courageous comeback to claim an 88-69 victory over the Cairns Taipans on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena.

Melbourne United may be forced into the import market if star forward Casey Prather is sidelined for the coming weeks.

Melbourne United will have their depth tested in the coming weeks after star forward Casey Prather dislocated his elbow in their 84-78 NBL victory over Illawarra in Wollongong.

If Abbey Wehrung has her way, her family will need to be on the Gold Coast in April.

Kalani Purcell has leaned on her star teammates when learning how to slow down the game and make a difference for her team.

Sydney Kings guard Jason Cadee believes Andrew Gaze's emotional antics in the media are designed to protect his players and he wants to repay the coach when he takes the court in the purple and gold for the 100th time on Sunday.

Seventeen games into the WNBL season, the smile that lights up Kate Gaze's world was back.

Josh Boone could have sulked after he was benched last game, instead he replied with his best rebounding game of the season.

Dandenong Rangers won't be giving up despite injuries and misfortune leaving them on the brink of WNBL finals elimination.

Rangers finals hopes hang by a thread, but the Flames remain in the hunt for a top four finish.

The six-time WNBL championship-winner will oversee the university's sporting programs.

Melbourne United forward Tai Wesley will play his 100th NBL game on Saturday night and it should be a joyous occasion – but he may struggle to remain in the league next season.

The Capitals will use Rachel Jarry's presence as motivation on Thursday.

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman admits his stars were deferring to each other so much he had to, literally, start calling the shots.

Sydney Kings coach Andrew Gaze won't quit on his job or this season – in fact, the second-year boss still sees hope for his side.

Melbourne United star Chris Goulding returned to form to lead his side to a comprehensive 95-69 victory over the Sydney Kings in Melbourne on Monday night.