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

Prediction published on 22/04/2024, 00:52  by Kennedy Kechula in NBA Predictions

The Philadelphia 76ers will be away to the New York Knicks for the second game of the two’s Eastern Conference round-one playoff series. New York lead 1-0 after taking game one 111-104 at home. The Knicks are in red-hot form and will be confident of going up 2-0 before the series switches to Philadelphia. They have now won six in a row after wrapping up the regular season with a five-game winning streak. Tom Thibeadeu’s men have also dominated the Sixers this season and won their regular season series 3-1. Jalen Brunson did not have an explosive offensive night in game one as was the case throughout most of the regular season. He did however put up 22 points together with seven assists. Josh Hart and Miles McBride also scored more than 20 points. The Knicks finished the regular season with the second-best defensive rating. Defence played a big role for them as they came up against a team in excellent form. Julius Randle didn’t feature in game one and will not be available for the playoffs due to injury. The Knicks averaged 112.8 points during the regular season.

The Sixers had won nine straight matches before going into game one. Nick Nurse’s men will hope they can return to that form and make an immediate comeback. Going into games three and four at home while 1-1 will see the momentum switch in their favour. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid combined for 62 points in game one. Embiid put up 29 points and eight rebounds while struggling with a knee problem that had kept him out for two months. He was forced to leave the game before halftime for checks but did return for the second half. The reigning MVP is listed as questionable for this game and it is clear that he isn’t 100%. Philadelphia need him if they are to stand a chance of coming out of the first round. Robert Covington and De’Anthony Melton missed game one due to injuries and are out for the second game. The Sixers averaged 114.3 points in the regular season.