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FAQ: Everything to know about The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024

The event returns for its 3rd year with preseason games between the Celtics and Nuggets on Oct. 4 and Oct. 6.

The Boston Celtics pose for a team photo at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

For the third straight season, NBA basketball is headed back to the Arabian Gulf for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ. Gear up for an exciting week of on-court action and off-court fan experiences, as the reigning champion Boston Celtics and 2023 champion Denver Nuggets tip off the 2024 NBA preseason in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 4.


What are The NBA Abu Dhabi Games?

The Abu Dhabi Games are one of four international showcases on the NBA calendar this upcoming season, alongside the NBA Mexico City Game 2024, NBA Canada Series and NBA Paris Games 2025. This year marks the third series of games in the UAE and will feature a pair of must-see preseason matchups between the Celtics and Nuggets.


When are The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024?

The two preseason games between Boston and Denver will take place on Oct. 4 and Oct. 6, tipping off at 12 p.m. ET and 10 a.m. ET respectively.


Where will The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 be played?

Both contests will be held at Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The venue also hosted the 2022 and 2023 editions of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games.


How can I watch The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024?

Both games will be available to stream live on 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.

  • Oct. 6, 2022 | ATL 123, MIL 113 | Recap
  • Oct. 8, 2022 | ATL 118, MIL 109 | Recap

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 | MIN 111, DAL 99 | Recap
  • Oct. 7, 2023 | MIN 104, DAL 96 | Recap

Is there any programming outside of the official preseason games?

Yes! In addition to the pair of preseason games, Abu Dhabi will host two one-of-a-kind fan experiences in 2024 — NBA District and NBA Fan Appreciation Day.

NBA District is a 4-day fan engagement event held at the Manarat Al Saadiyat gallery in Abu Dhabi between Oct. 3-6. Attendees will be able to meet NBA legends, ball out on a full-size NBA court, take photos with the Larry O’Brien Trophy and more.

Fan Appreciation Day will take place on Oct. 5 at Etihad Arena, where fans will enjoy a variety of celebrity guests and musical acts, including appearances by current Celtics and Nuggets players and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.


Where can I purchase tickets for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024?

You can buy tickets to this year’s NBA Abu Dhabi Games, as well as NBA District and NBA Fan Appreciation Day, here.


Where can I find other key dates for the 2024-25 NBA season?

You can access key dates and information for the 2024-25 season here.

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