Nine Australians with eyes on the ultimate prize

• Nine Aussies will be part of the NBA Playoffs
• Alex Ducas and Luke Travers the most likely to win an NBA title with the Thunder and Cavaliers
• Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey were both eliminated in the play-in tournament

It's the best time of the year for basketball fans with the NBA Playoffs tipping-off this weekend and there's no shortage of Australian talent vying for the most prized possession in the sport, the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

From veterans playing a critical locker room presence role during the rollercoaster that is the playoffs to youngsters on a two-way contract, nine Aussies in the NBA are be of the 2024-25 postseason with their respective clubs.

It could have been more but stars Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey's teams were eliminated in the play-in tournament.

Here are the Aussies in the NBA who are part of the 2025 playoffs.

JOCK LANDALE — HOUSTON ROCKETS

Only playing sparingly when backup centre Steven Adams was out with injury, Jock Landale isn't expected to play a big role for the second seeded Houston Rockets but if he has shown one thing during his career, it's that he will be ready if his number is called.

The Rockets are underdogs going into their first round clash with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors despite being the higher seed.

JACK MCVEIGH — HOUSTON ROCKETS

Spending most of his season in the G League after making the switch from the NBL, Jack McVeigh won't suit up in the playoffs as a two-way contracted player but like Jack White did with the Denver Nuggets, he would take home a championship ring if Houston win the title.

BEN SIMMONS — LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Joining the Clippers midway through the season after being bought out from his contract with the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons is a valuable piece for Tyron Lue's team in the postseason.

If the opening game loss to the Denver Nuggets is anything to go by, it seems Simmons will play the back up five spot when Ivica Zubac heads to the bench. The Clippers are considered a dark horse to contend for the title by many experts.

PATTY MILLS — LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

As the only active Australian to have won an NBA title, Patty Mills' veteran locker room presence will be invaluable for the Los Angeles Clippers as they look to break the horror run of past postseason performances.

And if they need a shooter on the floor, Tyron Lue knows he can always call upon Patty.

JOE INGLES — MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Just like Patty Mills, Joe Ingles' veteran leadership will play a significant role as the Minnesota Timberwolves try to go further than the Western Conference Finals run they had last season.

While he may not hit the floor, Ingles' IQ can provide a boost for superstars such as Anthony Edwards. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch also said they used Ingles as LA Lakers star Luka Doncic on the scout team as they prepared for the first round against the Lakers.

JOHNNY FURPHY — INDIANA PACERS

Rookie Johnny Furphy has had some shining moments with the Indiana Pacers this season and will need to be ready if his number is called on during the playoffs as his team take on rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round.

Furphy's highlights include a highlight dunk at the end of the regular season.

ALEX DUCAS — OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

While like all two-way players, Alex Ducas won't suit up during the playoffs, the Aussie big man is probably favoured to take home an NBA Championship ring with the No.1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

Most are predicting an Oklahoma City vs Boston Celtics NBA Finals match-up.

LUKE TRAVERS — CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Luke Travers has been absolutely dominant in the G League this year for Cleveland's affiliate and is another Aussie talent, who could win an NBA Championship ring with the Eastern Conference No.1 seeded Cavaliers.

As a two-way player, Travers also won't hit the court this postseason.

TARAN ARMSTRONG — GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Joining the Golden State Warriors late in the season on a two-way deal after a breakout NBL campaign with the Cairns Taipans, Taran Armstrong will have the chance to see some of the best, such as Stephen Curry up close and personal at the best time of the year.