Basketball: Simmons debut still on ice

Ben Simmons before the game against the New York Knicks on January 11. Photo / Getty Images

Ben Simmons' chances of a January NBA debut are all but over after Philadelphia ruled him out of next week's game against Houston.

The 76ers are yet to reveal the Australian No.1 draft pick's expected return date from a broken foot which has sidelined him for the first three months of the season.

There was some speculation he would play in the home clash against the high- flying Rockets on January 27 but coach Brett Brown has denied it.

"There is no chance that he will play then," Brown said.

The franchise initially expressed hope Simmons would be ready by this month soon after he sustained the injury in September, but those hopes have faded.

The 76ers have two more games before the end of the month but the Australian has not yet returned to full training.