76ers try to restrict Knicks fans from buying tickets for Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is defended by Knicks center Mitchell Robinson in the first half of an NBA game at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 3. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
The City of Brotherly Love has a message for Knicks fans: Stay home.
The Philadelphia 76ers have restricted ticket sales for home games in their second-round playoff series against the Knicks to those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area.
"Xfinity Mobile Arena is located in Philadelphia, Pa.," a message on the team website says. "Sales to this event will be restricted to residents of the Greater Philadelphia area. Residency will be based on credit card billing address. Orders by residents outside Greater Philadelphia area will be canceled without notice and refunds given."
The 76ers are hoping to prevent a repeat of two years ago, when Knicks fans flooded the Philly arena during a playoff series. This year's rematch starts on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
"I just have a message for our fans," Joel Embiid said on Saturday night after the 76ers won Game 7 in Boston to eliminate the 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."
Embiid hit upon an issue the 76ers can't prevent: their own fans re-selling tickets to Knicks fans, who can potentially buy them on the secondary market for less than what it would cost to see a game at the Garden.
The Knicks will host Games 1, 2 and (if necessary) Games 5 and 7. The 76ers are scheduled to host Games 3, 4 and (if necessary) Game 6.
Anthony Rieber covers sports media and business and professional sports (you know, games and trades and things). He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since Jan. 1, 2026.
