Abu Dhabi is once again at the center of the basketball world as the Philadelphia 76ers prepare to face the New York Knicks in a preseason double-header at Etihad Arena this week. For the Sixers, who are coming off a difficult 2024–25 campaign, the UAE capital offers more than just warm-up games—it is a chance for renewal, bonding, and a return to confidence.
A Fresh Start After a Tough Season
The Sixers endured a challenging year last season, finishing with a 24–58 record and missing the playoffs. Injuries continue to shadow their preparations, with former MVP Joel Embiid and nine-time All-Star Paul George yet to confirm their return, and rookie Jared McCain sidelined with a UCL tear in his shooting hand.
Still, the mood in camp has been positive. On Tuesday, Embiid, George, Tyrese Maxey, Adem Bona, and the full Sixers squad took part in a youth basketball clinic at NYU Abu Dhabi, where 150 children were put through drills and skills sessions.
“It was awesome,” said second-year center Adem Bona. “To help the kids, see the excitement in their eyes, and match their energy—it was a great experience. Representing the Sixers and the NBA here means a lot to us.”
Abu Dhabi: A Global Stage for the NBA
This is the fourth consecutive year that the NBA has brought preseason games to Abu Dhabi, part of a landmark multi-year partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Beyond the games themselves, the collaboration is designed to grow basketball at the grassroots level, develop young talent, and create unique opportunities for direct interaction between NBA players and local communities.
The 76ers’ clinic highlighted that mission, giving Emirati youth a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train alongside global stars.
Team Bonding Meets Cultural Exchange
For Philadelphia, the trip is about more than preparation. Facing a Knicks team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season is a valuable test, but the time together off the court is just as important.
“This trip is going to be a huge factor for the team,” Bona explained. “It’s about bonding, building chemistry, and spending more time together. And to do all that in Abu Dhabi, while learning about the culture and way of life here, makes it even more special.”
Bona’s Rapid Rise
Bona himself is a story to watch. Drafted in 2024, the Nigerian-born Turkish center was thrust into a bigger role than expected last season due to the Sixers’ injury woes. He featured in 58 games, closing the year with an average of 13.8 points and 8.3 rebounds over the final month.
“Patience is key,” he reflected. “You never know when your moment comes, but you have to be ready. Waiting isn’t easy, but the reward is worth it.”
Bona also arrives in Abu Dhabi fresh from helping Turkey win silver at EuroBasket this summer, a competition he says boosted his confidence and sharpened his game. “Playing high-stakes knockout games prepared me for what’s to come in the NBA. Every player matters, every possession matters. That experience was invaluable.”
Tip-off in the Capital
The Sixers will meet the Knicks at Etihad Arena on Thursday at 8pm and again on Saturday at 7pm, bringing one of the NBA’s most exciting preseason matchups to Yas Island.
For Abu Dhabi, the games reinforce its growing role as a global sporting hub. For Philadelphia, they represent a chance to reset, rebuild, and reconnect—with their fans, with each other, and with the game itself.
