The New York Knicks (37-27) host the Philadelphia 76ers (36-28) for the second time in three days Tuesday evening at Madison Square Garden.
These two teams combined for one of the lowest scoring games of the entire NBA season thus far when the Sixers earned a modest 79-73 victory over the Knicks on Sunday night.
Ironically, New York’s 73 points are the fewest points any team has scored this season, which the Magic held last Friday when the Knicks gave up just 74 points to Orlando.
Despite the loss, there was some positive news when Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau told the media after Sunday’s result that OG Anunoby, who missed the last 18 games with a neck injury, elbow, would likely travel with the team for their upcoming four-game Western Conference trip. journey.
Even though Anunoby likely won’t play Tuesday night, can the Knicks put together a better overall performance 48 hours later, or will the Sixers win both games in the Big Apple?
Here is my spread, total and moneyline betting analysis for this game on MSG:
NY Knicks vs. Sixers Breakdown: Knicks -5.5 (-115), Sixers +6 (-109)
On Tuesday night’s seven-game slate, this is one of the more confusing gaps on the board.
While it’s almost impossible for the Knicks to play as poorly offensively as they did on Sunday, I’m shocked that New York is one of the NBA’s heavy favorites.
A big reason I’m on the Sixers to cover this significant spread is the return of Tyrese Maxey, who has cleared the concussion protocol after missing the last four games.
Maxey has been the focal point of the Sixers’ offense since reigning MVP Joel Embiid underwent surgery for an injury he suffered to the lateral meniscus in his left knee in early February.
The 23-year-old guard from Kentucky is averaging a career-high 26 points per game and playing 37.4 minutes per night, the most in his four NBA seasons.
Neither team was great covering the spread recently due to several injured starters. Therefore, getting either of these teams as six-point underdogs is far too valuable to pass up.
The line is already starting to move in Philly’s favor this afternoon so if you’re betting on the Sixers I’d do it now at +6 on PariRivers with a price of -109 (Bet $109 to win $100).
Prediction: Sixers +6 (-109)
Total NY Knicks vs Sixers: over 208.5 points (-105), under 209 points (-109)
With the recent lack of star power for each of these teams, betting on the under is a safe bet.
The Knicks are 8-2 under score in their last 10 games and the Sixers are 3-7 in the same stretch.
Even though this total is by far the lowest in the NBA on Tuesday, I would still bet that this one will sink.
Since Valentine’s Day, the Knicks have had a game with 209 points or fewer in six of those contests.
Meanwhile, the Sixers have fallen below that total in back-to-back games.
Under no circumstances do I think we’ll see another combined 152-point effort from these two teams in the playoffs. There will undoubtedly be many more points.
That being said, I’m still taking the under in this one since this total remains lower for all four meetings this season with the lack of star talent on both sides.
BetRivers also has the best price of -109 for a total of under 209 points.
Prediction: Less than 209 points (-110)
Moneyline NY Knicks vs. Sixers: Knicks (-225), Sixers (+205)
There’s no denying that both teams need wins more than ever given their recent slumps.
The shorthanded Knicks and Sixers find themselves falling in the standings after missing top-tier talent for months now.
You have to imagine that New York fared significantly better after shooting 32.5 percent from the field and 22.5 percent from the three-point line.
However, Maxey’s offensive return makes too much difference for me. I believe the Sixers will beat the Knicks as near 2/1 underdogs for the second time in two days in what will once again be a close, low-scoring affair.
The best price available for the Sixers to win as an underdog is +205 (bet $100 to win $205) at Césars Sports betting.
