NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024: Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets Arrive In UAE, Highlighting Leagues Global Expansion

The two powerhouse teams are set to face off in a pair of preseason games on October 4 and 6 at Etihad Arena, showcasing top-tier basketball talent while deepening the NBA’s connection with international audiences.

The NBA‘s return to Abu Dhabi underscores the league’s commitment to growing the sport globally, with the UAE emerging as a key hub for basketball in the Middle East.

These games are part of a broader NBA strategy that includes similar international events in Mexico City, Paris, and across Canada, demonstrating the league’s desire to engage fans on a global stage.

Celtics, Nuggets embrace Abu Dhabi culture and community

Upon their arrival, both teams have been busy soaking in the local culture and giving back to the community. The Boston Celtics took time to visit the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.

“Incredible. Honestly, incredible.”

Scenes from yesterday’s mosque visit ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/LQnFWr3zsk

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 3, 2024

The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, have focused heavily on community outreach. The reigning NBA champions took part in the NBA Green “Great Nurdle Hunt,” joining NYU Abu Dhabi students at Jumeirah Saadiyat Beach to help clean up nurdles—tiny plastic pellets harmful to marine life.

Michael Malone is always up for a friendly competition!

Watch the Nuggets coach go on a Nurdle hunt in Abu Dhabi ?#NBAinAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/MkHD3JZMmR

— NBA (@NBA) October 3, 2024

“We get paid to win, but we also get paid to give back. Giving up your time to help the local community and environment—it’s a small gesture of appreciation for the place that’s hosting us,” said Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone.

In addition, the Nuggets hosted a basketball clinic at NYU Abu Dhabi, working with 120 youth participants from Kyros Era Academy, NBA Basketball School Dubai, and Special Olympics.

Sharing the love of the game ? pic.twitter.com/aDD0J63yS4

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 3, 2024

Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. spoke about the significance of connecting with young fans. “It’s a great opportunity to motivate these kids,” he said. “They watch us from afar, but being here with them is a blessing—for them and for us.”

Porter Jr. also highlighted the team’s broader goals for the trip, saying, “I think just bringing the NBA over here to Abu Dhabi and getting to know the culture, you know. Explore a little bit, see the city, see this whole new place on the other side of the world. So, it’s exciting for us.”

Preseason play and team bonding

For both teams, the trip is about more than just basketball. These kinds of international experiences serve to build team chemistry ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.

The Nuggets, fresh off their first-ever NBA championship, are using this time to integrate new players and strengthen bonds on and off the court.

“These trips allow us to come together as a team,” said Coach Malone. “Spending time together, both in practice and in cultural experiences, strengthens that bond and builds team unity.”

New Nuggets forward Dario Šarić echoed this sentiment, noting that the preseason games against the Celtics will help the team find its rhythm. “They are preseason games, so I think it’s more about catching a rhythm between the players, learning how some players are playing on the court, and finding some basketball chemistry between us and how we fit in with each other’s roles,” Šarić explained.

Šarić also shared his first impressions of Abu Dhabi: “It’s great. We just came here yesterday, so I couldn’t see much of it, but first impressions are great. The chairman came today to say hello to us, so it’s just a great experience for right now and hanging out with the kids and teaching them about basketball, it’s always a nice experience for all of us.”

A global stage for basketball

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 are more than just exhibition matches—they represent the league’s growing presence in the Middle East and its efforts to engage a diverse fan base. In addition to the games, fans can attend the NBA District, a four-day fan engagement event, and NBA Fan Appreciation Day, which will feature appearances by players and NBA legends, including Shaquille O’Neal.

As the NBA continues to expand its reach across the globe, the Abu Dhabi Games provide a unique opportunity to bring the sport to new audiences while fostering a deeper cultural connection between the players and the communities they visit. With basketball action set to tip-off, Abu Dhabi is poised for a week where the game transcends borders and brings fans together from all corners of the world.