New York Knicks  99-84 win over the Philadelphia 76ers 

The New York Knicks opened their preseason with a 99-84 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Oct. 2. The matchup was the first of two international showcases between the teams as part of the NBA’s global initiative, with a rematch set for Saturday, Oct. 4, before both sides return to the U.S. for the remainder of the preseason. Because of the overseas trip, the Knicks and Sixers were granted early training camp starts last week. 

Philadelphia is coming off a disastrous, injury-hit 2024-25 season in which Joel Embiid barely featured and Paul George missed much of the second half. Both stars are still recovering from knee surgeries, with no set return date, and did not suit up in Abu Dhabi. The Sixers will be hoping their fortunes improve once their key players are back.