All-Star Cast As New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Meet in Abu Dhabi for NBA Pre-Season

The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers will headline the 2025 edition of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, with two preseason matchups scheduled for Thursday, October 2, and Saturday, October 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The games will bring several marquee names to the Middle East. The Knicks roster features All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns along with defensive standout Mikal Bridges. The Sixers will be led by 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, nine-time All-Star Paul George and 2024 All-Star Tyrese Maxey.

Beyond the on-court action, the NBA is also staging an expanded “NBA District” fan zone from October 2–5 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The event will feature appearances by legends including Oscar Robertson, Derrick Rose, Mark Jackson, John Starks,

Rudy Gay and Michael Carter-Williams. Fans will be able to try basketball activities on a full-size court, view the Larry O’Brien Trophy, shop for limited-edition merchandise and attend panel sessions. Concerts and DJ performances are also on the schedule, including Siilawy, Tul8te and DJ D-Nice on October 3.

For fans in India, the Abu Dhabi Games will stream live on NBA League Pass via the NBA App. The event is part of the NBA’s multiyear collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), which has included youth development programs, NBA 2K League showcases and NBA Cares initiatives since 2022.

The partnership also positions “Experience Abu Dhabi” as the league’s official tourism destination partner across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.