New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 12/03/2024, 12:36  by Kennedy Kechula in NBA Predictions

The New York Knicks will be at home again against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second game of a back-to-back between the two. One game separates the two teams in the Eastern Conference standings with the Knicks in fourth having the advantage over the sixth-placed Sixers. The Knicks lost the first game to the Sixers 79-73 and will be eager to provide an immediate response. Having won the first two matchups of the season with their soon-to-be visitors, Tom Thibodeau’s men will be confident of a win. A third win for the Knicks, who are 37-27 for the season, will see them win the series 3-1. Being just 1.5 games from falling into the play-in places is also extra motivation for the hosts. O.G. Anunoby has been out for more than a month with an elbow problem. He is likely to miss out here too as he is listed as ‘Questionable’. Julius Randle is still not yet close to suiting up and remains sidelined with a shoulder injury. The Knicks have averaged 90.3 points in their last three matches.

The Sixers had lost three straight before their win in the first match against the Knicks. They will hope to build on that and go on a run of consecutive victories. Nick Nurse’s men have struggled ever since Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury at the end of January. They have lost 11 of the 18 matches since Embiid’s injury and this return has threatened their place amongst the top six. The Sixers only have a half-a-game advantage over their closest challengers for sixth place. They are also just one game clear of eighth-placed Miami. De’Anthony Melton and Robert Covington remain long-term absentees and will not be involved here. On a positive note though, Tyrese Maxey, who has missed the last four matches with a concussion, isn’t included in the injury report. The Sixers have also averaged under 100 points in their last three matches at 94.3 points.