Celtics will play the Nuggets in the 2024 NBA Abu Dhabi Games
The Celtics will take on the defending champs in the UAE next year.
The Celtics will play a pair of preseason exhibition games against the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi next year, according to a news release from the NBA.
The games are scheduled for Oct. 4 and Oct. 6 and will be broadcasted live in the United Arab Emirates and across the Middle East. It is estimated that the games will reach fans in more than 200 countries.
“We’re excited to bring two of the best teams in the NBA to Abu Dhabi in the Celtics and the Nuggets,” NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said. “There is incredible momentum around basketball in the UAE and across the Middle East, and we believe these games as well as our year-round grassroots development and fan engagement efforts will be a catalyst for the continued growth of the game in the region.”
NBA games have been broadcasted in Abu Dhabi since the 1987-88 season, according to the release.
“Our collaboration with the NBA supports our strategy of empowering youth in the UAE, the region and beyond,” Abu Dhabi department of culture and tourism director general for tourism H.E., Saleh Al Geziry said. “With the event now in its third year, we are excited to once again host The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 and build on our track record of hosting top-tier sporting events.”
Celtics guard Jrue Holiday played in the 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi games while he was with the Milwaukee Bucks.
With the possibility of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray all taking the floor, the matchup between the defending champions and the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics will likely have plenty of star power.
“The Boston Celtics have a rich history of international travel and countless fans worldwide,” Celtics president Rich Gotham said. “We welcome this opportunity to play for NBA fans in Abu Dhabi. Basketball is a truly worldwide sport, and international events such as these can help inspire generations of fans across the globe.”
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