Australians in the NBA: Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green and Ben Simmons in the spotlight this week

Chicago’s eyes are on Josh Giddey as the Bulls hope he can make a quick return from an ankle injury suffered against Toronto last Tuesday. Giddey was helped from the court after his attempt to defend a three-point shot from Gradey Dick went wrong. The Australian was writhing in pain and missed the Bulls’ two matches against Boston Celtics on Friday and Sunday. Chicago are 13-16 and will host Milwaukee on Tuesday morning before travelling to face Atlanta on Friday. Giddey would be hoping to be fit to face the Hawks so he can resume his battle with Aussie Dyson Daniels. The Bulls won their two previous clashes with Atlanta this season and both Daniels and Giddey were prominent in those matches. Daniels had 10 steals during those matches and the “Great Barrier Thief” added another six steals against Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday to give him 81 for the season. He is now 28 steals in front of the next best this season with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sitting in second spot with 53. Several Aussies got a Christmas bonus last week as the NBA Cup concluded. WA’s Alex Ducas added US$102,994 to his salary for being a two-way player with Oklahoma City Thunder when they finished runner-up in the NBA Cup. Daniels, Jock Landale, Jack McVeigh and Dante Exum also collected extra cash for being on rosters of teams that got through to the quarter finals and semifinals. Daniels and Giddey won’t be the only Aussies who could face off against each other during the Festive Season with Josh Green’s Charotte Hornets preparing to face Landale’s Houston Rockets on Tuesday. It’s been a rough season for Green’s Hornets as he comes to terms with life in a totally different type of squad. Last season he played off for the championship with Dallas Mavericks but now he’s experienced just one victory from his last 13 games. Another Aussie, Ben Simmons ticked off a significant achievement this week by producing his first double-double of the season for Brooklyn Nets. He had 15 points and 10 assists against Utah Jazz in what was his first double-double since playing against the Jazz in January.