NBA: 76ers' Joel Embiid to home fans: 'Don't sell your tickets'

The distance between Madison Square Garden in New York and Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia is just a little over 100 miles—an easy drive or train ride that could make it convenient for New York Knicks fans to follow their team on the road during the Eastern Conference semifinals.

However, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has made it clear he does not want the team’s home court turning into a road game atmosphere.

Following the 76ers’ dramatic Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics on Saturday night to advance in the playoffs, Embiid sent a strong message to Philadelphia fans during his postgame interview: keep opposing fans out of their building.

“Don’t sell your playoff tickets—especially not to Knicks fans,” Embiid said.

The concern stems from a previous postseason meeting two years ago, when Knicks fans reportedly filled much of the arena during a first-round matchup between the teams, turning the Philadelphia venue into what felt like a second home court for New York.

“I just have a message for our fans,” Embiid said. “Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East. We’re going to need the support.”

He emphasized the importance of home-court advantage, urging fans to stay engaged and not sell their tickets, even if there is financial temptation.

“Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys,” he added. “Knicks fans travel—they buy tickets. There are going to be people who will sell the tickets because they need the money. Don’t do it. We need the support, and we need them to be extremely loud. If you need money, I’ve got you.”

The Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Knicks and 76ers is set to begin Monday in New York, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday. The series will then shift to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The Knicks earned their spot in the semifinals after defeating the Atlanta Hawks in six games.

-Field Level Media/Reuters