New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers series preview, predictions: Can Embiid, 76ers upset another rival?
This is the true Eastern Conference Finals.
(That is with all due respect to Detroit and Cleveland, however neither of these groups has appeared on the extent of New York or Philadelphia within the playoffs.)
This can also be a showdown between two groups that appeared like the very best model of themselves within the first spherical of the playoffs, after leaving us with numerous questions throughout the first 82 video games. That is very true of the 76ers — we solely noticed Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey collectively for 22 regular-season video games, and even in these video games, they by no means clicked as they did within the final three video games in opposition to Boston.
Now two long-time rivals meet once more within the playoffs, and whichever workforce comes out of this series ought to be a heavy favourite to make the NBA Finals. Here’s what that you must find out about New York vs. Philadelphia.
When does the Knicks vs. 76ers start?
Game 1 between Philadelphia and New York is on Monday night time, May 4, at Madison Square Garden within the coronary heart of Manhattan. Games will likely be performed each different day, up till Game 7 when there could be a two-day break.
New York vs. Playoffs Schedule 2026
All occasions are Eastern (* = if vital).
Game 1: Philadelphia at New York, Monday, May 4 (8 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Philadelphia at New York, Wednesday May 6 (7 ET, ESPN)
Game 3: New York at Philadelphia, Friday May 8 (7 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: New York at Philadelphia, May 10 (3:30 ET, ABC)
* Game 5: Philadelphia at New York, May 12 (TBD)
* Game 6: New York at Philadelphia, May 14 (TBD)
* Game 7: Philadelphia at New York, May 17 (TBD)
Player to look at: Karl-Anthony Towns
Against the Hawks, the Knicks and Towns had their Jamie Tartt moment: “Stop playing to me and start going through me.”
Beginning in Game 4, the Knicks began getting KAT the ball extra within the excessive put up and used him as extra of a hub than a scorer. He had two triple-doubles — the primary Knick ever to have two in a series — and issues began to return collectively for each him and the Knicks’ offense. Towns additionally had a comparatively good defensive series in opposition to the Hawks as a result of he may drop again into the paint and never must chase capturing bigs.
Things are going to be totally different with Joel Embiid within the paint. He is extra bodily, can step out and defend a bit, and has wonderful instincts and timing. KAT is not going to have the identical period of time or house to function. That stated, the Knicks want him to have another impactful series, or they may very well be in bother.
Honorable point out: Mikal Bridges. He goes to be the man with the Tyrese Maxey task on protection, plus the Knicks are going to want some offense out of him as nicely. If Bridges has an enormous series, issues get quite a bit simpler for the Knicks.
Keys to look at for in Philadelphia vs. New York
Can Embiid, 76ers keep wholesome?
From coaching camp by per week in the past, everybody from followers to media to different groups have stated, “If the 76ers are healthy, they can beat anyone… but they’re not going to stay healthy.”
Well, they did get wholesome for 3 video games and that was sufficient to upset the Celtics. Now, they transfer on to another bodily series, with video games each different day — can the Sixers keep wholesome by that? If any of the 76ers’ huge three are out, and even lower than their peak, the workforce is in bother.
Can the Knicks comprise Embiid, Maxey?
New York had a top-10 protection after the All-Star break (sixth within the NBA since Jan. 1). That protection confirmed up in opposition to the Hawks and is a key cause they gained the series.
Embiid and Maxey offered far more tough challenges.
New York has not been nice at containing fast level guards and Tyrese Maxey is that. He’s too fast for Josh Hart. Then they’ve Mikal Bridges (who possible will get the task) and OG Anunoby, however they don’t seem to be actually nice at shutting down these sorts of guards (they might have matched up higher with Tatum/Brown if Boston had gained Game 7). Maxey is an All-Star (and about to be All-NBA) participant who averaged 26.9 factors a sport in opposition to the Celtics and could have the ball in his palms. The Knicks must discover a solution to comprise him.
Embiid appeared as near his MVP self as now we have seen in a very long time over the past three video games, and if he brings that to the Garden, he will likely be powerful to comprise for Mitchell Robinson and Towns. The Knicks up to now have used Anunoby on him as nicely. Expect all of them to get a shot, however New York has labored to do as a result of Embiid wasn’t simply scoring, he was passing nicely and carving up the Celtics protection. Towns had a reasonably good defensive series in opposition to the Hawks as a result of they did not have an enormous who may actually pull him out of drop protection. Embiid can. This will likely be totally different.
Will Knicks followers take over Xfinity Mobile Arena?
Two years in the past, when these two groups met within the playoffs, the video games in Philadelphia gave the impression of Madison Square Garden South. It occurred in each video games in Philadelphia between these groups this 12 months.
“I have a message for our fans,” Embiid stated after the 76ers superior. “Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like (Philadelphia) was Madison Square Garden East. We’re going to need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you… If you need money, I got you.”
The 76ers have restricted on-line ticket gross sales for Games 3 and 4 to residents of the better Philadelphia space. That sounds nice, however there are numerous Knicks followers with cash keen to take over the secondary ticket market. It’s one thing to look at.
Prediction: Knicks in 7
In the tip, I simply belief them extra. This is a workforce that introduced again the core of a gritty, powerful workforce that made the convention finals final 12 months, and so they have proven they’ll dial that up.
James Dolan may get his “Finals or bust” want.
