Stephen Curry made a sensational return from injury by scoring 38 points, with a season-high 10 three-pointers, as the Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies 141-128, while Australia's Ben Simmons and his Philadelphia 76ers beat the Denver Nuggets.

The WNBL semi-finals tip off at the State Basketball Centre on Wednesday night as Melbourne Boomers and Perth Lynx face off while reigning champs Sydney University Flames will play Townsville Fire in the other series.

Melbourne United could be without two of their big men for their clash with Illawarra Hawks on Saturday as they chase a sixth-straight win.

Melbourne Boomers will go into the WNBL finals on a high after a thumping win over Dandenong Rangers on Saturday night.

Third-quarter defensive dominance paved the way for Melbourne United's 103-79 runaway NBL thrashing of the Sydney Kings on Saturday.

They enjoyed the highest of highs and heartbreaking lows.

Canberra's journey to redemption has already begun.

Matt Bungard takes you through the year in US Sports.

New Melbourne United import Carrick Felix was told three years ago that his career was over but he has overcome his injuries and starts a new chapter of his career in the NBL on Saturday night.

Dandenong Rangers rookie Kiera Rowe pictured her first WNBL season as a development year filled with training and the odd bit of court time. It has proven to be much more than that.

Doctors have advised Rachel Jarry to take an indefinite break due to concussions.

Nat Hurst has capped off her return to Canberra in stellar fashion.

New Melbourne United import Carrick Felix made an immediate impression on his first day with the team on Thursday.

Australian basketball took on the world in brand new ways during 2017 and the results were impressive.

Melbourne United scored their first "defensive" win of the season with a dramatic comeback win against Brisbane Bullets.

Three Capitals players had an early end to their holiday to return to training on Boxing Day.

The 76ers needed this. Monday's 105-98 victory over the New York Knicks snapped a five-game losing streak.

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.