Why did Embiid tell Philly fans Knicks?

Embiid asked Sixers fans not to sell tickets

Joel Embiid used the aftermath of the Sixers’ Game 7 win over the Celtics to send a pointed message to Philadelphia fans ahead of the next playoff matchup against the Knicks. His request was straightforward: don’t sell tickets to Knicks supporters.

The framing was personal and location-based. Embiid described Philadelphia’s home atmosphere during previous Knicks matchups as feeling like “Madison Square Garden East,” pointing to how many visiting fans show up and how that can reshape the energy inside the arena.

Why it matters

• Home-court momentum in the playoffs: Ticket sales that increase the proportion of away fans can reduce the intensity and create distractions for both players and the crowd.
• Traveling fan base impact: Embiid emphasized that Knicks fans travel and purchase tickets in a way that can overwhelm the host environment if not managed.
• Series significance: With Philadelphia advancing to the second round, the crowd’s role becomes even more critical as the games get higher stakes.

What Embiid made clear wasn’t about basketball strategy—it was about crowd composition. By directly asking fans not to sell to Knicks supporters, he was trying to protect the advantage Philadelphia earns by being the higher-seeded team at home.

In a postseason where Philadelphia already has momentum from an improbable comeback, Embiid’s emphasis on the home atmosphere suggests he views the arena environment as another factor Philadelphia can control—one that could help the Sixers set the tone early against New York.