It’s 2024. Round 1, Philly down 1-2. A lot is riding on home advantage. Wells Fargo Center already erupted after Joel Embiid’s 50-point game. There was finally belief. It was time for Game 4, a crucial opportunity for the home team to level the series. But then the 76ers’ familiar foe decides to show up big time. How often do you witness an entire arena do a 180? With 47 points on the scoreboard, Jalen Brunson triggers thunderous “MVP” chants at the away game. New York goes on to topple the 76ers in six, with the final game, again, in Philly. Turns out that is the one thing that has irked Embiid to this day.

And he is here to take his revenge. The 76ers are entering the second round with sky-high confidence as the first-ever seven-seed to topple a two-seed. But they know that talent alone might not be enough to keep this 2026 series against the Knicks alive. They need to recreate a hostile home environment, something that went badly against them. Haunted by the “ghosts” of their 2024 playoff exit and responding to a direct plea from Embiid, Philly has implemented a unique strategy to ensure the crowd remains loyal to the red, white, and blue.

“Sales to this event will be restricted to residents of Greater Philadelphia area,” according to the latest notice on the 76ers’ website. “Residency will be based on credit card billing address. Orders by residents outside Greater Philadelphia area will be canceled without notice and refunds given.” Embiid’s employers are leaving no room for loopholes and have officially geo-fenced their ticket sales. This drastic measure stems from memories of the series two years ago, when the home court became “unfriendly territory.” An excess of Knicks fans bought tickets for the three Philly games, making it feel like Madison Square Garden.

Embiid does not want that to happen again, which is why he wasted no time in addressing the local fanbase directly after eliminating the Celtics. “I just have a message for our fans,” the big man said. “We’re gonna need the support, don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you, we need you guys. The atmosphere that we’ve had the last couple of games in Philly, especially the last one, pushing it to Game 7. I mean, we need all of it. I don’t care if it’s 70:30.”

“There’s gonna be some people who need the money, ‘I’m probably gonna sell tickets,’ but don’t do it,” Embiid said. “We need you guys; we’ve got a pretty good chance, we’re gonna need our support. We’re gonna need them to be extremely loud. And if you need money, I’ve got you.” While the last line might have been said in jest, the feelings from the encounter two years ago aren’t. Brunson single-handedly wreaked havoc as his Knicks fans poured into Philly.

Embiid hasn’t forgotten the “disappointing” atmosphere. “Obviously, you got a lot of Knicks fans, and they’re down the road, and I’ve never seen it, and I’ve been here for 10 years,” he remarked at the time. However, that won’t stop Knicks fans from purchasing tickets on the secondary market, even though there’s a caveat there. More on that later. This isn’t the first time Philly has tried to block the away fans’ methods.

The 76ers’ ownership group, including Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and Michael Rubin, bought more than 2000 tickets two years ago after the series was extended to Game 6. They distributed it to local first responders and healthcare professionals. Despite these expensive efforts, though, the Knicks fans have historically found ways to infiltrate the building. The Sixers are re-mimicking the Pistons’ ploy of a year ago, limiting tickets to Detroit-area fans. While it worked for Detroit, that was a much longer trip than the 90-minute drive to Philadelphia. That said, how are locals actually feeling about this… initiative?

Reactions to the 76ers’ ruling; why NYC fans will forcefully show up again against Joel Embiid’s appeal

The decision has left the local fanbase split. According to reporting from CBS Philadelphia, only about half of the 76ers faithful are fully behind the residency ruling. Reporter Eva Andersen spoke to the fans at Shibe Vintage Sports in Center City, and one of them said, “Love it. Let’s get all these Knicks fans out of here. New Yorkers, no way.” Another Philly faithful disagreed, stating that playoff vibes are better when “enemies are inside the building!”

While they stay divided, Knicks’ Josh Hart knows the “persistent” New Yorker won’t mind taking over again. “Good thing about New Yorkers, man, they’re persistent. They don’t care, bro. They’re going to do it, man,” the Knicks forward said. With Philadelphia less than a two-hour drive or a quick train ride from New York, and tickets in Philly often significantly cheaper than the astronomical prices at MSG, Knicks fans can once again establish an advantage.

The get-in prices for Game 1 and Game 2 at MSG are $503 and $507, respectively, and compared to Games 3 and 4 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena ($278 and $262), it’s nearly double! If one were to glance at the secondary market, the prices for tickets are significantly higher at the Garden there as well. That’s why the Sixers have put in such measures to avoid a repeat of 2024. Even Joel Embiid pleaded to fans, as he is also fighting to be fit for the series opener. The Process is listed as probable with a right hip contusion. But many predict he will start and actually lead the franchise to the NBA Finals. Yes, it’s happening this time.