Nikon D5000 settings

I have floor seats to an NBA basketball game, but what settings should I put my nikon d5000 on?

Matters how much light is available

you are going to have to learn how to manipulate ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture to conform to what you are shooting. There's no one right setting.

if you don't know, just stick it on sports setting and hope for the best

1) But the Mode Dial to 'A' for Aperture Priority Mode.
2) Select the lowest f-stop you can get with your lens.
3) First set the ISO to 3200 and start there.
4) Press the shutter button down half way, and if you see the shutter speed drop below 1/400, raise the ISO accordingly.
5) If you max out on ISO, and still get motion blurred photos, try the Exposure Compensation to -1/2. Your photos will be a tad bit dark, but you can always brighten them up in post. It's better to have a slightly grainy and dark photo than it is to have one that everything is a blur.