The Knicks blew out the Sixers in the first two matchups, both in Philadelphia. But the 76ers got some revenge with a 79-73 win at MSG on Sunday behind 18 points and 10 rebounds from Kelly Oubre Jr.
In the three previous games, the Knicks have held Philly to an average of just 95.0 points per game. The 76ers will need to find some offensive answers to avoid a season series loss.
76ers Betting Analysis
The 76ers come into this matchup with a 36-28 record, good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They are looking to bounce back after a lackluster 79-73 win over these same Knicks on Sunday. In that game, both teams shot under 40% from the field in an ugly defensive battle.
Philadelphia has struggled lately, losing seven of their last 11 games overall. The absence of contender Joel Embiid, who has been out since January 30th with a knee injury, has been a major factor. In the 18 games without Embiid, the Sixers are just 7-11 while shooting a paltry 44.3% from the field as a team, third worst in the NBA over that span.
Sixers this season:
With Embiid: Without Embiid:
— 26-8 record — 10-20 record
— 6th in defense — 25th in defense
— 1st in offense — 22nd in offense
— 2nd in net rating — 24th in net rating
They re really struggling to figure it out without Embiid
NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24)
There is some good news for Philly though, as star guard Tyrese Maxey has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last four games. Maxey s presence will be a big boost, as he ranks 14th in the NBA in scoring at 26.0 points per game.
In Embiid s absence, the Sixers have relied heavily on Tobias Harris and the recently acquired Kelly Oubre Jr. Harris is averaging 18.8 points and 6.8 rebounds on the season, while Oubre has scored 18+ points in five straight games. Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry and backup big Mo Bamba will also be counted on for key contributions.
As a team, the 76ers rank 14th in the league in scoring (115.9 ppg) and 19th in rebounding (43.0 rpg). Defensively, they allow 113.0 points per game, 13th best in the NBA.
Knicks Betting Analysis
The Knicks come in with a 37-27 record, sitting in fourth place in the East. They have lost nine of their last 13 games overall to slide down the standings a bit. Most recently, they scored a season-low 73 points in an ugly loss to the 76ers on Sunday.
New York could get a big boost with the potential return of forward OG Anunoby, who has missed the last 18 games with an elbow injury. Anunoby is officially listed as questionable for this game per the injury report.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby – out since Jan. 27 with elbow injury – is expected to return as soon as Tuesday vs. 76ers, sources tell . He s expected to be upgraded on injury report.
Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
In Anunoby s absence, offseason acquisition Josh Hart has stepped up in a major way. Over his last eight games, Hart is averaging 16.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.5 threes, and 1.1 steals. He forms a dynamic backcourt duo with star point guard Jalen Brunson, who ranks seventh in the NBA in scoring at 27.1 points per game.
The Knicks calling card is their defense, as they rank second in the league allowing just 108.8 points per game. Offensively, they are a middle-of-the-pack team, ranking 23rd in scoring (112.4 ppg) and 29th in assists (23.8 apg).
In addition to Brunson and Hart, key contributors for New York include Donte DiVincenzo, Precious Achiuwa, and Isaiah Hartenstein. The Knicks are a deep team that will look to use their strong defense to slow down the 76ers.
76ers vs Knicks Player Props
In the market, oddsmakers have set Knicks forward Jalen Brunson with the highest point total on the board at 27.5. We ve highlighted a few of our favorite Philadelphia vs New York player props further below the table.
