In a bold move to ensure a home-court advantage, the ownership group of the Philadelphia 76ers has snatched up 2,000 tickets to prevent a New York Knicks fan invasion for the critical Game 6 showdown. According to PhillyVoice, the tickets, which the owners bought from both available inventory and the resale market, are set to be distributed to first responders, health care professionals, and local community groups, aiming to bolster the Philly fan presence at the Wells Fargo Center.

Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and David Adelman, along with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin (formerly a part owner), teamed up to quickly enforce a fan base that will be more likely to cheer the Sixers to victory. The team spokespeople detailed how the tickets would be allocated, with 76ers spokesperson Dave Sholler stressing the need "to harness the intensity and excitement for tomorrow's crucial showdown with the New York Knicks," in a statement obtained by PhillyVoice.

This strategic play follows a rallying cry from Dawn Staley, the North Philly native and head coach of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, who implored season ticket holders via social media to keep their seats out of Knicks fans' hands. "I need the @WellsFargoCtr full of @sixers fans...season ticket holders DO NOT SELL YOUR TICKETS to Knicks fans...I repeat DO NOT SELL YOUR TICKERS to Knicks fans! Pour into our @sixers! We can really do this ish man!" Staley was quoted in a statement to 6abc.

Adding to the city-wide effort, local Chick-fil-A franchises have decided to continue their "Bricken for Chicken" promotion during the playoff game, hoping to "elevate the gameday experience" with a side of spirited camaraderie—and possibly a free chicken sandwich. "We experienced firsthand this season how 'Bricken for Chicken' has elevated the gameday experience, bringing a high level of energy to not only the 76ers fans, but also the team," told Sam Class, a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator, to 6abc.

Amid this frenzy of local passion, the Sixers have a tall order to fill on the court, following Tyrese Maxey's standout 46-point performance that forced the series to a Game 6. Philadelphia will need every ounce of support as they look to knot up the series and fend off elimination against the Knicks in a game, tipping off at 9 p.m., described by many, including CBS News Philadelphia, as a matchup commanding the spotlight of this year's NBA playoffs.