The New York Knicks have been stumbling a bit lately with a sub-.500% winning record, in part due to Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby missing time due to injury. The Philadelphia 76ers also haven’t been at their best lately due to the lack of time from Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and others.
However, someone has to give in and someone has to accept this Eastern Conference clash. With two wins against the 76ers this season in the bank, I’m taking the Knicks to a third. BetMGM Sports Betting where the odds are -115.
76ers vs. Knicks odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
Analysis of the 76ers vs. the Knicks
The New York Knicks are a team I like to reach the Eastern Conference Finals when I’m healthy. It starts with Jalen Brunson, whose continued improvement has been remarkable. Brunson is seventh in the NBA in scoring and 13th in assists per game.
He’s been downright excellent in the Knicks’ two wins over the 76ers this year (neither of which were close results). With or without Julius Randle, Brunson gives the Knicks a chance to cover every game on his own.
What I like most about the Knicks is their depth. Miles McBride burst onto the scene and has gotten better with each passing month. He has handed out eight or more assists in two of his last four games.
Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks have proven to be quality pickups to help score off the bench, and Precious Achiuwa has lived up to her status as a 2020 first-round pick.
While the Knicks’ depth in the paint has been diminished by injuries, the 76ers are unable to attack that weakness without Embiid. Paul Reed has had some solid games increasing his minutes, but he won’t scare anyone with post-up skills.
The 76ers will also be without the service of star player Tyrese Maxey. Without their 26 points per game, the 76ers have no chance to cover in my mind.
Even if Maxey would have played, there are a lot of questions about consistency with the 76ers offense. Kyle Lowry is 37 years old and has been inconsistent since his acquisition. Tobias Harris is difficult to evaluate, because you never know when he will be hot or freezing.
One of their saving graces in Embiid’s absence has been Buddy Hield, who has given them a major boost in three-point shooting. That said, he has calmed down since February 14 compared to the four 20-point games he lost after his acquisition.
76ers vs. Knicks Prediction
Brunson and Achiuwa will be the main reasons why the Knicks will do well in this game. If Maxey doesn’t adapt, Brunson will be able to exploit Lowry or especially Cameron Payne, who is not a good defender. New York ranks fourth in defense, which won’t be an easy factor for the 76ers to overcome without Maxey.
Achiuwa is considered an X-factor because his athleticism and shot-blocking abilities will be superior to what Reed offers the 76ers. Harris also isn’t a great post defender, meaning Philadelphia doesn’t have much of an answer.
Finally, the Knicks bench should comfortably outperform that of the 76ers. Outside of Kelly Oubre Jr., no one on Philadelphia’s bench will scare you from a scoring standpoint while the Knicks have plenty of players to live up to that expectation.
76ers vs. Knicks picks
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Knicks will cover -5.5 points at BetMGM (-115)
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