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.

The third annual Abu Dhabi NBA Games will tip-off soon and they're a testament to the leagues efforts to grow the game in the Middle-East.

Artist Katrien Vanderlinden transforms a basketball court at Reem Central Park, as part of larger campaign to promote the NBA Abu Dhabi Games.

The past two NBA champions are playing pair of preseason games in the UAE's capital, which has become focal point for the league's international efforts.

Whether it takes nuggets of brilliance, or just good ol’ luck… While Abu Dhabi welcomed some absolute legends including LeBron James and Steph Curry during the USA Basketball Showcase in July, basketball action returns to the Etihad Arena tonight,

The last two teams to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy – the 2023 champion Nuggets and 2024 champion Celtics – arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and will tip off the 2024-25 preseason on Friday (12 ET, NBA App) with the first of two games in the UAE.