The Boston Celtics pose for a team photo at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
The last two teams to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy – the 2023 Denver Nuggets and 2024 Boston Celtics – arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and will tip off the 2024-25 preseason on Friday (12 PM ET, NBA App) with the first of two games in the UAE.
1. Year 3 In Abu Dhabi: The NBA has played a pair of exhibition games in Abu Dhabi the past two seasons, showcasing some of the league’s brightest stars on a global stage.
- In 2022, Trae Young and the Hawks swept two preseason games over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
- In 2023, Anthony Edwards and the Wolves took both games over Luka Doncic and the Mavs in a WCF preview
- In 2024, it’s a must-see matchup between the past two champs
2. Familiar Territory For Four Olympians: Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Nikola Jokic return to Abu Dhabi for the second time in three months after participating in the USA Basketball Showcase to prepare for the Paris Olympics.
- Two Wins: Boston’s Tatum, White and Holiday of Team USA defeated Denver’s Jokic of Serbia 105-79 in an Abu Dhabi exhibition and 95-91 in a semifinal thriller in Paris
- Both Medal: Team USA defeated host France to win gold, while Serbia defeated Germany to claim bronze
3. Champion Vs. Champion: Last season, Boston went a league-best 64-18, but there was one team it did not beat all season – the Nuggets.
- No Repeats: The NBA hasn’t had a repeat champion since 2018, with reigning champs going 9-2 against the prior season’s champs over the past five years.
4. First Looks At Both Teams: The Abu Dhabi Games tip 109 days after the Celtics won their 18th NBA title. Friday will be their first on-court action together after a summer of celebration.
- Run It Back: The Celtics brought back the stars (Tatum and White inked extensions) and role players (Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta) – as they look for continuity as they try to repeat
- New Nuggs: The Nuggets will have a new lineup after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Denver filled its open roster spots with former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook and forward Dario Saric
5. Global Games Begin: The Abu Dhabi Games will open the preseason for the second straight year but will not be the only Global Games on the 2024-25 NBA calendar.
- Mexico City Game: The Wizards will play north and south of the border as they face the Heat on Nov. 2 in a regular season game in Mexico City – the 33rd game played in Mexico since 1992
- Paris Games: After leading France to the silver medal at the Olympics, Victor Wembanyama returns home when the Spurs face the Pacers on Jan. 23 & 25
