yahoo - 5/3/2026 5:43:33 PM - GMT (+2 )
Joel Embiid doesn’t want a repeat of the last time the Philadelphia 76ers faced the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs.
Two seasons ago, the Sixers lost that first-round series in six games. But what Embiid and his teammates remember more than the postseason defeat was their home court becoming unfriendly territory.
Many Knicks fans bought tickets for the three games in Philadelphia to cheer on their team, making the then-Wells Fargo Center feel like another Madison Square Garden. The Sixers’ star center doesn’t want that to happen again.
"I just have a message for our fans,” Embiid said after Saturday’s Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics. “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. We need you.”
Embiid praised the raucous crowd support at Xfinity Mobile Arena providing a big boost for the Sixers during Thursday’s 106-93 Game 6 win and wants the home fans to continue being “extremely loud” versus the Knicks.
Yet with even upper-level mezzanine seats going for more than $500 at center court and $300 behind the basket (via GameTime), Embiid acknowledged that several fans may want to sell their seats to earn some extra income. The 2023 NBA MVP, who’s being paid an estimated $58 million this season (according to Spotrac), jokingly offered to help out if making some money was an issue.
“If you need money, I got you,” he said.
Joel Embiid gets stretched out by the Sixers medical staff
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 3, 2026
Longer version. pic.twitter.com/a7HPtP7V90
Embiid scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the 76ers to a win at Boston’s TD Garden. He provided a crucial offensive and defensive presence on the floor despite dealing with an abdominal injury that required him to be stretched out by team trainers. Embiid also had a scare when Tyrese Maxey was pushed back into his left knee.
However, Embiid dismissed questions about his health after the game.
“I feel great. I feel amazing,” he said. “I was faking it.”
The Sixers begin their second-round series with the Knicks on Monday at Madison Square Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Game 3 in Philadelphia is set for Friday at 7 p.m. ET. Lower-level seats near the court are going for $4,000 and more. But for those who want to turn a significant profit, Embiid may be able to help them out.
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