Knicks will sell tickets exclusively to vaccinated fans if team advances past first round

If you want to see the New York Knicks in person in the second round of the NBA playoffs, you need to be vaccinated. The team will only sell tickets to individuals fully vaccinated from COVID-19 if it advances past the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks announced Friday.

Executive vice president MSG sports, president team business operations David Hopkinson said the move will "show us what's possible if everyone gets vaccinated."

The statement also revealed the Knicks sold out Game 5 against the Hawks, which will take place June 2. The team also sold out Game 1 and Game 2 of the series, which were also held at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks said 90 percent of fans who have attended those games have been fully vaccinated.

Knicks looking to advance past Hawks

While the news is encouraging for vaccinated fans, it's no guarantee the Knicks make it to the second round of the playoffs. The series is currently tied 1-1. The Knicks dropped a close Game 1 on a buzzer beater from Trae Young. The team bounced back in Game 2, winning 101-92 and evening the series.

The Knicks will look to take a lead in the series during Game 3, which will take place Friday. If the Knicks advance, they would place the winner of the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards. The 76ers currently lead that series 2-0.

The Knicks are considered slight underdogs to win the series, according to the oddsmakers at BetMGM. The team is listed at +115 to advance past the Hawks in the first round.

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