Joel Embiid delivered a direct plea to Philadelphia 76ers fans Sunday night: Hold onto your tickets for the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks and don’t sell them to visiting supporters.
Fresh off the 76ers’ historic comeback victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 7, the All-Star center referenced the team’s 2024 first-round playoff series against New York, when Knicks fans flooded the Wells Fargo Center after buying tickets from local season-ticket holders.
“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. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys.”
Embiid acknowledged that some fans might be tempted to cash in on the high demand but urged them to prioritize home-court energy.
“Knicks fans travel — they buy tickets,” he added. “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. If you need money, I’ve got you.”
The seventh-seeded 76ers advanced to face the Knicks after rallying from a 3-1 deficit to upset the second-seeded Celtics, a feat accomplished just 14 times in NBA history. Embiid missed the first three games of that series while recovering from an appendectomy before averaging 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists over the final four games, including 34 points and 12 rebounds in the series clincher.
Joel Embiid:
"I just have a message for our fans. Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like this was Madison Square Garden east. We're going to need the support. Don't sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. If you need money, I got you" 😂 pic.twitter.com/jX2wtO0QvR
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 3, 2026
The 2026 series is a rematch of the 2024 first-round matchup, which New York won in six games. Knicks fans created such a heavy presence inside Philadelphia’s arena that it drew frustration from Embiid and the organization at the time. Sixers ownership had tried to limit out-of-market ticket sales for the decisive Game 6, but the road fans still showed up in force.
New York will host Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden on Monday and Wednesday. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday, with the 76ers holding home-court advantage for Games 3, 4, 6 and 7 if necessary.
Embiid’s comments come as the 76ers, who snapped a six-game playoff series losing streak to Boston, look to build genuine home support in a building that felt more like a Knicks venue two years ago.
