Knicks opening-night opponent Joel Embiid dribbling for Philadelphia against Boston
Knicks opening-night opponent Joel Embiid dribbling for Philadelphia against Boston
Joel Embiid doesn’t intend to watch the Knicks receive their championship rings Tuesday. In the original video shared by PHLY Sixers, the Philadelphia center explained where he expects to be instead.
“I don’t really feel like watching that whole ceremony, so I guess I’ll be in the locker room,” Embiid said.
Knicks opening-night opponent Joel Embiid shooting for Philadelphia against Boston
Philadelphia opponent photo, not a Knicks player. Oct 16, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Knicks don’t need an audience from Philadelphia
That’s an intention, not something that has already happened, and it doesn’t need to become a manufactured incident before the teams even play. Embiid hasn’t prevented the Knicks from celebrating anything. He has said he doesn’t want to watch an opponent do it.
I’d probably make the same choice in his position. New York earned the ceremony, the fans get their night, and the players get a permanent reminder of what they accomplished. None of those things becomes less satisfying because Philadelphia’s center waits somewhere else.
The rivalry can supply plenty of entertainment without inventing an obligation for him to applaud. Knicks fans are free to enjoy that he doesn’t want to see it. Calling the preference a competitive revelation would be stretching a normal opponent’s answer into something it isn’t.
The more useful preparation concerns who will be waiting when the ceremony ends. The 76ers’ current roster includes LeBron James and Jaylen Brown with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Treating this as the same personnel matchup from last spring would be a much bigger mistake than worrying about where one opponent stands before tipoff.
That roster doesn’t guarantee chemistry or a particular result Tuesday. It does give the Knicks a different collection of ballhandlers and scorers to prepare for, rather than a ceremonial rematch that can be approached on memory alone. The opening-night atmosphere will be enormous; the defensive assignments still need to be current.
Embiid’s answer works as rivalry color. I’d keep it there and save the real judgment for what Philadelphia does once the ball goes up. The Knicks can enjoy every minute of their celebration without asking their opponent to enjoy it with them.