“We’re excited to bring two of the best teams in the NBA to Abu Dhabi the Celtics and the Nuggets," NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum said in a statement. "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.”

The NBA said the two games will reach people in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media. They are part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.

The Celtics have won 17 NBA titles and have the NBA's best record this season. The Nuggets, who feature two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic, won the championship last year.

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