Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction: NBA Odds, Point Spread
No one would argue that the Philadelphia 76ers have way more talent than the New York Knicks, who are one of the NBA’s worst teams. Not a single Knick would likely crack the current starting five of the Sixers. Yet, go look at each team’s road record. They are identical at 9-21. The difference being that the Knicks are absolutely horrible at home and the 76ers are essentially invincible in their own gym.
Because this is the second of a back-to-back for both, it’s possible a player or two on each side sits it out.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
This wraps up the season series between the Atlantic Division rivals, and Philadelphia is going for its third straight season sweep. The Knicks have been competitive in all three this year, though, losing by five, six and three points.
Embiid has played in two of the three and is averaging 25.0 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, but he probably won’t be out there Thursday. Ben Simmons is putting up 18.0 points, 9.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds in the series. However, he’s currently out injured with some lower-back issues. Marcus Morris leads the Knicks in averaging 20.7 ppg vs. the Knicks but has since been traded to the Clippers. Canadian rookie RJ Barrett has played in two of the games and averaging 13.0 ppg and 5.0 rebounds.
The Knicks are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 15-5 in the past 20 in Philadelphia.
New York Knicks
New York lost its fifth in a row Wednesday, 107-101 in Charlotte. Down as much as 15 in the second half, the Knicks couldn’t get closer than two. Allonzo Trier had a chance to tie the game with 1:12 remaining but missed an open 3-pointer. Barrett struggled, hitting 2-for-11 for five points and with some lapses on defence. Barrett was benched in the fourth quarter and replaced by Trier, who had fallen out of the rotation.
Starting point guard Elfrid Payton returned from a two-game injury absence and had six points and nine assists. Young centre Mitchell Robinson had 12 points and a season-high 16 rebounds. He has a bright future. Julius Randle had 18 points and nine rebounds. The Knicks are 0-3-1 ATS in their past four in the second of a back-to-back.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are anxiously awaiting an MRI on Embiid’s shoulder, which he injured in Wednesday’s perplexing 108-94 loss at a bad Cleveland team. The All-Star lasted just eight minutes, leaving after a collision with Ante Zizic. Needless to say, it’s very unlikely Embiid plays Thursday even if the MRI is clean. If it’s something serious, the Sixers are cooked for this season with Simmons already in question.
Even with the Embiid injury, no excuse for the Sixers to never lead against the team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Shake Milton, starting for Simmons, was a lone bright spot Wednesday with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Sixers are 8-2 ATS in their past 10 at home.