The Sixers enter the matchup led by their stars Joel Embiid, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, and Paul George.

The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing to field their strongest lineup in the upcoming games against their historic rival, the New York Knicks, on Yas Island on October 2 and 4 as part of the 2025 NBA season games in Abu Dhabi, presented by ADQ Holding.

The Sixers will be led by Joel Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, and eight-time All-Star Paul George. These two preseason games in the emirate are expected to offer a glimpse of the team’s ambitions for the season and continue the NBA’s mission to connect with fans worldwide.

Embiid: We Have One Goal

Embiid sees the experience in Abu Dhabi as especially significant, returning to the emirate one year after participating with the United States national team during the Olympic preparatory camp. The Sixers’ captain witnessed firsthand the passion and enthusiasm for basketball throughout the region and looks forward to similar support this week as his team focuses on advancing its championship aspirations.

Embiid highlighted the importance of playing outside the United States, saying, “I think playing outside the U.S. is good and helps develop the game by showcasing the league’s top talents. I’ve had the chance to participate in some of these games, whether in London or with the U.S. national team last summer.”

He also spoke about his visit last year with the U.S. team as part of their Olympic preparations, saying, “It was a great experience, attracting significant attention from many stars. The crowd was amazing, and we had a memorable experience. I look forward to repeating it.”

After a tough season ending with 24 wins and 58 losses, missing the playoffs and finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers enter the new season determined to change their course. Embiid had a below-expectation performance last year due to injuries, but with Paul George and Tyrese Maxey alongside him, hopes remain high for a strong season thanks to player cohesion.

Regarding the team’s future, Embiid said, “First and foremost, we must be patient and focus on continuous daily improvement. All our players understand our goal, so the key question is: what will we do every day to reach it?”

George: A Great Opportunity to Inspire Fans

Paul George is playing his first game in Abu Dhabi and sees it as an important milestone. He said, “Playing in Abu Dhabi means a lot to me because it’s a chance to showcase our team’s skills in front of Abu Dhabi and Middle East fans. We aim to leave a strong impression, both as a team and individually, reflecting our desire to inspire the audience. This is a great opportunity to do that.”

George recalled his first season with the Sixers last year and his efforts to develop alongside Embiid and Maxey, saying, “I managed to adapt to the team, although it took some effort. Today, I understand things better and look forward to improving our playing style with Joel and Tyrese, continuing to strengthen our chemistry to achieve the best possible performance. One of the main reasons I came here to play with the Sixers was to play alongside these players. So, I’m excited to work together in harmony and translate that on the court.”

George emphasized that building relationships off the court is key to success on it, saying, “The most important factor is being together overall. Off-court relationships often have a deeper impact than everything that happens on the court because they create a common language we communicate with when we play. Ultimately, the time we spend together remains the most important element.”

The Sixers and Knicks games kick off at Etihad Arena on Thursday, accompanied by an NBA fan zone on Saadiyat Island offering a basketball celebration and cultural experiences over three days. The games will feature a fiery showdown between Embiid, George, and Maxey on one side and Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and other Knicks stars on the other, giving basketball fans in Abu Dhabi a star-studded showcase of skills.