The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are set to face off in Abu Dhabi for their preseason opener, marking the third consecutive year the NBA has held games in the UAE. The Celtics, coming off their 18th championship, will play without Kristaps Porzingis due to foot surgery, while the Nuggets have added Russell Westbrook to their roster but lost key players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Both teams featured players in the recent Olympics, with the Celtics looking to defend their title and the Nuggets aiming to bounce back from last season's playoff exit. This matchup is not just a rematch of the last two NBA champions but also a chance for both squads to showcase their updated lineups. The game will be broadcast at noon EST and is available for streaming on various platforms. As both teams are nearly intact from last season, the Celtics are favored, but the Nuggets remain a formidable threat.