Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers tip off the 2025 NBA preseason against the Knicks for two nights in Abu Dhabi.
For the fourth straight season, NBA basketball is headed back to the Arabian Gulf for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ. Get ready for an exciting week of on-court action and off-court fan experiences, as the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers tip off the 2025 NBA preseason in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 2.
What are the NBA Abu Dhabi Games?
The Abu Dhabi Games are one of seven international showcases on the NBA calendar this upcoming season, alongside the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series (Oct. 3 & 5), NBA Canada Series (Oct. 6), NBA China Games (Oct. 10 & 12), NBA Mexico City Game (Nov. 1), NBA Berlin Game (Jan. 15) and NBA London Game (Jan. 18).
This year marks the fourth series of games in the UAE and will feature a pair of must-see preseason matchups between the Knicks and 76ers.
When are the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025?
The two preseason games between New York and Philadelphia will take place on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4, tipping off at 12 p.m. ET and 11 a.m. ET, respectively.
Where will the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 be played?
Both contests will be held at Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The venue also hosted the 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games.
How can I watch the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025?
Both games will be available to watch live on NBA TV and NBA League Pass.
Which teams have played in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games in previous years?
The inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 featured a pair of preseason matchups between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks, with Atlanta coming out on top twice.
The subsequent NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 saw the Minnesota Timberwolves defeat the Dallas Mavericks in both legs of their back-to-back preseason slate.
- Oct. 5, 2023 | Timberwolves 111, Mavericks 99 | Recap
- Oct. 7, 2023 | Timberwolves 104, Mavericks 96 | Recap
The third annual NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 featured a clash between the previous two NBA champions, with the 2024 champion Boston Celtics sweeping the two-game set with the 2023 champion Denver Nuggets.
Is there any programming outside of the official preseason games?
Yes! In addition to the pair of preseason games, Abu Dhabi will host the NBA District fan event at Manarat Al Saadiyat for the fourth consecutive year from Oct. 2-5.
At NBA District, fans will be able to meet NBA legends, participate in basketball activities on a full-size NBA court, watch NBA highlights and programming, purchase limited-edition NBA merchandise, and more.
Musical artists Siilawy, Tul8te, DJ Jack, Stick no bills and DJ D-Nice will headline a concert at NBA District on Friday Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. Plus, the Sunday Coffee Rave will feature a live performance by local DJ Abu Dhabi House Movement on Oct. 5, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Where can I purchase tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025?
You can buy tickets to this year’s NBA Abu Dhabi Games, as well as NBA District and concerts here.
What are three key storylines to know entering this matchup?
1. New leadership & high expectations in New York: After their 2025 playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks made a head coaching change, bringing in two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown as the Knicks look to break through and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Led by Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year Jalen Brunson and All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks aim for their third straight 50+ win season and a deeper playoff run. Read More
2. How much will injuries impact Philly this season?: With a roster headlined by Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers came into last season with championship aspirations. But those hopes were derailed by a series of injuries that led to that trio of All-Stars sharing the court for only 15 games. Embiid and George enter this year’s training camp still nursing injuries, which may limit their availability in Abu Dhabi, while youngster Jared McCain will miss 4-6 weeks with a thumb injury. However, rookie VJ Edgecombe – the No. 3 pick in the 2025 Draft – dazzled in Summer League and could light up Abu Dhabi to begin his first NBA preseason. Read More
3. The Knicks, the Sixers & the wide-open East: The last two teams to win the Eastern Conference – Boston in 2023-24 and Indiana in 2024-25 – are both dealing with season long Achilles injuries to their star players. That makes the East more open than ever for teams to chase the conference crown and a trip to the NBA Finals. New York has finished second and third, respectively, in the past two regular seasons, while Philly has finished 7th and 13th. Both teams have the talent to make a run in the East, assuming good health.
