Sydney Kings star forward Josh Childress is expected to suit up against Melbourne United at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Wednesday night.

Childress has missed the past five games with a fractured hand but has recovered well and returned to full contact training this past week.

The return of Childress will result in injury replacement Damion James being removed from the Active Players List.

The star import’s return is a huge boost for the Kings and sets up a blockbuster showdown on Wednesday, 30 December against an in-form Melbourne United side that are coming in hot off a big win against league leaders the Perth Wildcats.

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Cairns Taipans guard Markel Starks will miss this week’s New Year’s Eve clash with a hamstring strain. Starks sustained the injury, specifically a strain to the piriformis, just minutes into the Taipans’ 17 December home game against the Perth Wildcats. The Club's medical staff are working to have Starks back for the 6 January home game against the Wildcats.