So, the NBA’s all set to take some basketball action to Abu Dhabi again—like, they’ve been doing this for four years straight now? Time flies or maybe it’s just me losing track. Anyway, this time it’s the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers who are packing their bags. Yup, they’re playing a couple of games over there in 2025, on Oct 2 and Oct 4, in case you’re planning a trip to Yas Island’s Etihad Arena. Fun fact, I once thought Yas Island sounded like someplace right out of a theme park. Could be the grandeur of it.
Now, here’s something I found a bit curious—these guys, because they’re hopping on a plane for this international hoops tour, get to stretch their training camp schedule a tad earlier compared to the unlucky souls who have to keep it local. Maybe it’s fair, maybe it’s not. But I guess jet lag deserves a perk or two? Meanwhile, feels like just yesterday it was the Hawks, Celtics, Mavericks, Nuggets, Bucks, and then the Timberwolves taking their turn in the desert heat. Or was that in a brochure I saw? Might be both.
Somehow, imagining the bounce of the ball echoing through that massive arena gives me chills… or maybe it’s the idea of all that travel? Who even knows anymore. But hey, this mix of sports and culture—it’s intriguing, right? Or am I just babbling here?
Anyway… so basketball meets Abu Dhabi, yet again. Expect a whirlwind, both in travel brochures and possibly on the court. Who knows, might even want to scribble it on a bucket list?
