The 76ers have devised a sneaky way to try and ensure New York Knicks fans don’t overrun Philadelphia in the NBA playoffs.
The two teams will face off in the Eastern Conference semifinals in a rematch of the rivals’ tight series back in 2024.
The Knicks won that series in six – thanks in no small part to deafening support inside Madison Square Garden and in Philadelphia.
‘Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East,’ Joel Embiid admitted.Â
Two years on, the 76ers are taking steps to improve the atmosphere by refusing to sell tickets to games at Xfinity Mobile Arena to anyone who does not live in Philadelphia.
The public can secure their seats on Sunday afternoon but the small print reveals that ‘sales to this event will be restricted to residents of Greater Philadelphia area.’
The 76ers have devised a way to try and ensure Knicks fans don’t overrun Philadelphia
The New York faithful took over Xfinity Mobile Arena when the two teams met back in 2024
Joel Embiid has pleaded with 76ers fans not to sell their playoff tickets to Knicks supporters
The ‘residency’ policy will be ‘based on credit card billing address’ and any ‘orders by residents outside Greater Philadelphia area will be canceled without notice and refunds given.’
Sixers star Embiid has also taken steps to ensure fans do not sell their tickets to Knicks supporters by offering to cover the cost himself.
The 32-year-old begged Philly fans to resist the urge to cash in on their tickets and show up to support them at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
‘I just have a message for our fans,’ the former NBA MVP said after their Game-7 win over the Boston Celtics. ‘Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East. We’re going to need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys.’
Two years ago, Embiid called out his own fans, claiming it ‘kind of p***es me off’ that so many Knicks fans swarmed the arena.Â
He added on Saturday night: ‘Knicks fans travel – they buy tickets… there’s going to be people who will sell the tickets because they need the money. Don’t do it, we need you guys. We need the support, and we need them to be extremely loud.Â
‘If you need money, I’ve got you.’
Embiid and the Sixers booked their place in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a miraculous come-from-behind series win over the Boston Celtics, which saw them fight back from 3-1 down before coming out on top in Saturday’s crucial Game 7.
