LOOKING to for a game of basketball this weekend? Mikey Cahill reviews the five best places in the city to shoot hoops and show off.

PRAHRAN PARK

Whenever the Australian Open Grand Slam is on, the tennis courts get filled up with Nadal wannabes and similarly right now it’s deep into NBA playoffs and the basketball courts are jam-packed with guys and girls aspiring to play like Kevin Durant or Patty Mills. Excellent standard of streetball here.

“Game, Blouses.”

244 Malvern Rd, Prahran

EDINBURGH GARDENS

The Alley Hoops guys recently organised a 3-on-3 tournament and it was a glorious day. There was old-school hip-hop cranking out of a boom box, faux-Gatorades and The Mechanisms won, a team with one of its members somewhere on these pages. NB: Jimeoin isn’t a shooting guard. Best games are Sat-Sun, 2pm.

Edinburgh Gardens, Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy.

NORTH MELBOURNE

You need to book these courts in advance BUT the guys and girls playing there are always jovial and welcoming of newbies. The court has been recently waxed so you won’t be slipping over like a soccer player diving for a penalty in the FA Cup. Remember to call your own fouls and wear kneepads for protection.

1 Macaulay Rd, North Melbourne

CARLTON GARDENS

The bitumen is a bit bumpy but the good players can overcome this by knowing where to dribble low and where to start your elephant steps. Everyone plays here, from politicians to Somalian dudes to extreme frisbee types looking for a change. Bring refreshments because there aren’t any vending machines close by.

11 Nicholson St, Carlton Gardens

MSAC

The original and the best. Good luck getting a decent run on these courts at the moment. It’s “winner stays on” so assemble a trio of serious contenders and begin the domination. Games can get a little tetchy but just keep your cool and remember that justice always prevails. Eventually.

“Ball don’t lie.”

1 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park