Injury-plagued basketball star Ben Simmons has begun his seventh NBA campaign with big minutes and positive numbers, but defeat in Atlanta.

The former top draft pick, one of 14 Australians suiting up for the season, registered six points, five rebounds and eight assists in 24-plus minutes as his Brooklyn Nets lost 120-116 to the Hawks.

The 28-year-old has been restricted to only 58 of a possible 200 games since relocating from Philadelphia in February 2022 as part of a trade that sent former NBA MVP James Harden to the 76ers.

Back issues have been chief among his concerns, keep him to only 15 games last season and dashing his hopes of playing in the Boomers’ Olympic campaign in Paris.

Compatriot Dyson Daniels had a memorable night in his Atlanta debut after being traded by the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bendigo native had 15 points, five boards and two assists.

Brooklyn’s Cameron Thomas led all scorers with 36, while the Hawks’ Trae Young registered a double-double including 30 points and 12 assists.

In Philadelphia, Milwaukee enjoyed a 124-109 win over the Sixers.

Joel Embiid and off-season acquisition Paul George were both missing for the hosts with knee complaints, while Khris Middleton (ankle) was out for the Bucks so Damian Lillard (30 points) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (25 points, 14 rebounds) stood up for the visiting team.

Elsewhere, the Cleveland Cavaliers thrashed the Raptors 136-106 in Toronto, the Indiana Pacers stormed home in the fourth to pip the Pistons 115-109 in Detroit and the Orlando Magic beat the Miami Heat 116-97 in the Florida derby.

Later on Thursday (AEDT), Aussies Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls), Patty Mills (Utah Jazz), Matisse Thybulle and Duop Reath (both Portland Trail Blazers) and Jock Landale (Houston Rockets) are also in action.