The NBA is going international, and the last two NBA champions are headlining the show. At the beginning of October, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will be playing in a pair of preseason games in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are fresh off their first championship in 16 years, capturing their league-best 18th title. Meanwhile, the Nuggets won their first championship in franchise history in 2023, spearheaded by Nikola Jokic.
With Jokic, Jamal Murray, Kristaps Porzingis, and others on the two rosters, the NBA will be bringing a wide variety of international players on their trip to the Middle East.
What NBA teams are playing in Abu Dhabi for preseason?
The Celtics and Nuggets are playing in the NBA's Abu Dhabi games this year.
Both squads will be heading into the preseason with very similar rosters to last year, with the only major different on either side being the absence of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from Denver’s rotation. He signed with the Orlando Magic in free agency,
What are the dates for Celtics vs. Nuggets in Abu Dhabi?
Boston and Denver will be squaring off on October 4 and October 6 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for two preseason games. They will be the first two games of the NBA’s preseason slate.
However, the NBA’s time in UAE will be more expansive than a two-game affair. The league will be hosting the “NBA District,” giving fans a chance to interact with former players, participate in activities, and appreciate some NBA content up close.
Fans will be able to enjoy said activities on a full-sized NBA court, and legends such as Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal will be in attendance for the affairs.
History of NBA games in Abu Dhabi
In November of 2021, the NBA announced a multi-year partnership with Abu Dhabi to host games there. The Celtics and Nuggets will simply be the latest interaction of that deal.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks were the first teams to play there in 2022, marking the league’s first games in the city. They were followed up by the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023.
This will be the first time the reigning NBA Champions will be playing in the Abu Dhabi games and, consequentially, the first time the past two title winners will be there as well.