The Philadelphia 76ers are taking an unconventional approach to playoff home-court advantage: they're giving tickets away to make sure the right fans are in the building.

Ahead of Friday night's Game 3 against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center, the Sixers announced they will donate 500 tickets for each remaining home game this round to local community groups—a strategic move designed to prevent an influx of opposing fans.

"We love this city and the intensity and passion of our fans," said Josh Harris, the team's managing partner. "We know they'll bring it tonight and Sunday at our big playoff games."

The initiative targets two groups that embody Philadelphia's spirit: frontline medical personnel and educators. For Friday's game, 250 healthcare workers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine will join 250 local teachers from organizations like Learn Fresh and the School District of Philadelphia.

Sunday's game, which falls on Mother's Day, takes on a special meaning. The Sixers will host 500 mothers and children selected by community partners including the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia and Uplift Center for Grieving Children.

This isn't just about charity—it's about reclaiming home court. Two years ago during the playoffs, Knicks fans overwhelmed Wells Fargo Center so thoroughly that it earned the nickname "Madison Square Garden South." Sixers star Joel Embiid even publicly warned fans ahead of this series to show up and make their presence felt.

Now, the organization is putting its money where its mouth is. By partnering with groups "fired up about Philadelphia and committed to making our hometown a better place," the Sixers are ensuring that when the playoffs come to town, the energy in the building matches the intensity on the court. As Harris put it, this is about giving fans who might not otherwise attend "the chance to experience the Philly playoff energy live."