Smoke haze from surrounding fires threatens to postpone the Canberra Capitals' return to the AIS Arena as air quality continues to deteriorate in the city.
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The Capitals are slated to host the Perth Lynx in a WNBL clash at the AIS Arena on Sunday, the second game of a round-12 double.
But poor air quality caused by the raging NSW bushfires could see the match scrapped as indoor attractions close across the city due to smoke.
The Capitals have not been able to train at the AIS or the University of Canberra since Tuesday, with the city's air quality remaining at a hazardous level.
Canberra coach Paul Goriss was greeted by a waft of smoke when he arrived at the AIS training hall for their final training sessions at home before flying to Bendigo for a clash with the Spirit on Friday night.
Club officials opted to postpone their training session, with the air quality rating reaching 2318 at Florey station on Thursday morning.
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"We haven't been able to practice for the last two days just because of the air quality in Canberra," Goriss said.
"Hopefully it won't have too much of an affect on us leading into this match.
"A change of plans, we'll travel to Bendigo and train down there, [so] hopefully the air is a little cleaner and crisper.
"It's not pleasant for anyone around the bushfires or Canberra with the air quality, so it's a good time to be on the road."
But their return to the capital will likely be marred by the lingering blanket of smoke over the city, putting their Sunday afternoon clash with Perth in doubt.
The by-product of the surrounding bushfires has forced the Australian Baseball League to cancel this weekend's series between the Canberra Cavalry and Adelaide Giants at Narrabundah Ballpark, while Football Federation Australia are yet to make a decision on Canberra United's W-League clash with Sydney FC at McKellar Park.
Basketball Australia are monitoring the air quality and weather conditions in Canberra and will make a decision on whether to cancel the Capitals-Lynx match on Friday.
"[I've never experienced this] in the WNBL. I've been involved in games in Townsville and other places [where the games have been up in the air] because of the slipperiness of the court due to humidity - but not due to smoke haze and weather like this," Goriss said.
"We don't want to put the players at risk with the air quality and how it's going to affect their playing, but also for the fans and people who want to attend the game."
The Capitals sit third on the WNBL ladder with 10 wins and four losses, while the eighth-placed Spirit has won only three games so far this season.
Bendigo broke an eight-match losing streak with a one-point win over the Townsville Fire on Saturday, with the visitors looking to finish the season on a strong note.
"They're still good enough to win games and have the talent to do that," Goriss said.
"They showed that against Townsville, right at the end they pulled off the win at home.
"Every team is still dangerous and wants to get a win on the back end of the season with only five weeks left.
"We can't take them lightly because they're going to be one of those spoiler teams that want to make it difficult for the top four and girls are playing for contracts next season. They've probably got more to play for."
WNBL ROUND 12
Friday: Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals at Bendigo Stadium, 7.05pm.
Sunday: Canberra Capitals v Perth Lynx at AIS Arena, 2.05pm.
