The Boston Celtics head to the capital of the United Arab Emirates to take on the Denver Nuggets next Friday, October 4th as the reigning NBA champions. Their title defense begins in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena against one of their toughest duels in recent league history as their opponents in this exhibition tilt.

Both teams will be without key players due to injuries, and both the Celtics and Nuggets are expected to be favorites or in the mix to emerge from their respective Eastern and Western Conference playoffs to play in the 2025 NBA Finals. But that journey begins in the UAR with two friendly matches starting on Friday morning.

Let’s take a look at who might start, how each team is faring and how to watch the game.

Injuries to players

The Celtics continue to miss Kristaps Porzingis as his ankle issues continue to heal.

The Nuggets have rookie big man DaRon Holmes II out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury, and both Peyton Watson and Jalen Picket are likely out until just before the start of the regular season.

Expected starting lineups

Boston

• Derrick White

• Jrue holiday

• Jaylen Brown

• Jayson Tatum

• Al Horford

Denver

• Jamal Murray

• Christian Braun

• Michael Porter Jr.

• Aaron Gordon

• Nikola Jokic

Here’s how you can watch or stream the game

Here’s when you should tune in to watch the game:

• Date: Friday, October 4, 2024

• Time: 12pm ET

• TV channel: NBC Sports Boston

• Live stream: Sling TV (watch for free)

Listen to the Celtics Lab podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics vs. Nuggets: Stream, Lineups, Injuries, Transfer Info (10/4)