The Philadelphia 76ers are limiting ticket sales for their second-round NBA playoff series against the New York Knicks to fans in the greater Philadelphia area. The team aims to preserve home-court advantage at Xfinity Mobile Arena amid the Knicks fans' reputation for traveling well. Billing addresses outside the zone will result in canceled purchases.
The 76ers announced the geo-fencing policy on their ticket website following their first-round comeback victory over the Boston Celtics. They overcame a 3-1 deficit to win Game 7 and advance. This measure echoes their 2024 actions, when ownership bought over 2,000 tickets to block Knicks supporters during a prior playoff matchup, and the Detroit Pistons' similar restrictions that year against New York fans. Secondary markets remain a potential loophole, as fans can resell tickets despite initial limits. Joel Embiid urged Philadelphia supporters after the Celtics win, saying, '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.' He added, 'If you need money, I got you.' Knicks guard Josh Hart expressed confidence in his fanbase, stating Sunday, 'The good thing about New Yorkers, they're persistent. They don't care. They're gonna do it.' The series highlights ongoing efforts by teams to counter the Knicks' traveling supporters, who recently chanted for forward OG Anunoby on the road against the Atlanta Hawks.
