The Knicks didn’t anticipate facing this opponent in the second round of the playoffs.
Currently, Boston holds a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, and the Philadelphia 76ers will be meeting the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Knicks are favored, with odds at -250 on BetMGM, while Nick Nurse’s team is sitting at +200.
Despite the Knicks being respected as favorites, the 76ers seem to be hitting their stride, boasting a roster that includes talents like Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and VJ Edgecomb, along with a competent bench.
Will these players remain healthy throughout the series? That’s still up for debate. However, their recent performances, winning three consecutive games, showcase their potential.
Oddsmakers anticipate a swift series conclusion for the Knicks against Philadelphia, projecting a series total of 5.5 games (-130).
Knicks vs. 76ers Series Odds
| Team | Series Winner | Series Spread | Total Number of Games in the Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | -250 | -1.5 (-130) | 5.5 or higher (-130) |
| 76ers | +200 | +1.5 (+105) | Less than 5.5 (+105) |
Knicks vs. 76ers Series Preview and Predictions
The Knicks led the NBA in net rating during the first round, thanks largely to a dominant performance against the Hawks in Game 6.
They were still third overall in net rating before that game.
On the flip side, the 76ers had a net rating of -9.1 prior to their recent improvement, which elevated to 13.9 over their last three games—ranking fourth in the league during that span.
A key question looms: Do you think the 76ers’ upswing is sustainable?
During their seven-game series, Philadelphia averaged just 10.7 turnovers per game, which played a critical role in their victory. Meanwhile, the Knicks allowed 8.8 steals per game, the second highest in the playoffs.
There’s certainly some credibility to the idea that the 76ers could continue improving, yet I’m unconvinced that Embiid can remain injury-free enough to clinch four wins in this series.
Final Thoughts
I think the Knicks will likely take six or seven games, so their total should exceed 5.5.
Prediction: Series total of 5.5 games or more (-130, BetMGM)
