76ers donate playoff tickets in latest effort to limit Knicks fans

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (R) takes a shot against the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Photo by Sarah Yenesel/EPA

May 8 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia 76ers will donate 500 tickets for each of their remaining second-round home playoff games in an effort to limit New York Knicks fans.

The 76ers announced the tactic Friday in which tickets will go to those from the community.

For Friday's game, the 76ers will host 250 frontline medical personal 250 frontline medical personnel from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine.

They also will host 250 local educators selected by Learn Fresh, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia and Camden City School District.

On Sunday, the 76ers will host 500 mothers and children selected by Uplift Center for Grieving Children, Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia, La Liga del Barrio and Apologues.

"We love this city and the intensity and passion of our fans," 76ers owner Josh Harris said in a news release. "We know they'll bring it tonight and Sunday at our big playoff games at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

"This is also a tremendous opportunity to welcome fans who may not have otherwise had the chance to attend, so they can experience the Philly playoff energy live. To that end, we are thrilled to partner with several leading community organizations and donate tickets to educators, frontline medical personnel and local families for our upcoming home games. This will be fun!"

The 76ers made a previous effort to avoid a Knicks fan takeover through Ticketmaster, by restricting ticket sales to residents of the Greater Philadelphia area. Orders by residents outside that without notice.