It’s time for the NBA preseason, and the action will begin halfway around the world in 2025.
The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are set to play the first of two NBA preseason games at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Thursday, Oct. 2 for the league’s Abu Dhabi Games initiative. The two teams will then play again on Saturday, Oct. 4, before returning to the United States for the remainder of the preseason. Both the Sixers and Knicks were permitted to begin their training camps last week due to international travel.
The Knicks are coming off their deepest playoff run since 1999, but fired former coach Tom Thibodeau after they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. This will be new coach Mike Brown’s first unofficial game implementing a more up-tempo style with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and the rest of the returning New York nucleus that’s again a top contender to make it to the NBA Finals out of the East.
The 76ers had a disastrous, injury-marred 2024-25 season in which franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid hardly played and prized free agent acquisition Paul George missed most of the second half of the campaign. Both are still recovering from knee surgery with no timeline for a return and neither is expected to play in Abu Dhabi.
Here’s how to watch the Knicks take on the 76ers in the first 2025 NBA preseason game as part of the Abu Dhabi Games:
When does the NBA preseason begin?
The NBA preseason starts on Thursday, Oct. 2, with the international matchup between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks and 76ers will play a second game in Abu Dhabi two days later on Saturday, Oct. 4.
What time is Knicks vs. 76ers in NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025?
The New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers preseason game on Thursday, Oct. 2 as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi games is scheduled to tip off at 12 p.m. ET at Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates. The teams will play again on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. ET.
What channel is Knicks vs. 76ers NBA Abu Dhabi preseason game?
The New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers preseason matchup on Thursday, Oct. 2, as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV. It can be live-streamed with Fubo. Their game on Saturday, Oct. 4 in Abu Dhabi will also be broadcast by NBA TV and can be accessed through live stream with Fubo.
Watch NBA Abu Dhabi Games with Fubo