A series that’s had no shortage of twists and turns will explode once again when the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers battle in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
Game 3 on Thursday night between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers was more akin to warfare then basketball, even by playoff standards. Replace the hardwood floor with ice and give the players Rangers and Flyers sweaters and it would have made no difference. Amid all the tension and outbursts, Joel Embiid, partial facial paralysis and all, hit for 50 points to help his Sixers win 125-114 to make it a 2-1 series for the Knicks.
With all that said, the NBA Playoff odds predict that the 76ers will defend home court yet again and tie the series. They’re -4.5 favourites for Game 4.
Knicks vs. 76ers NBA Playoff Odds
This series has make for some rather entertaining television, hasn’t it? Flagrant fouls, technical fouls, players pulling each other’s legs, etc. This is some “grab your popcorn” drama.
Right now the Knicks are still favoured to win the series, with New York priced at -238, a sizeable advantage given how close one of their two wins was. The 76ers are a +190. The exact series outcome with the best odds is a seven-game New York victory (+260), followed by New York in five (+309). The best Philly outcome is them winning four straight to take the series in six (+425). A seven-game series win for the Sixers is +475.
Ironically, and we don’t mean this as a joke, one of the reasons Philadelphia’s odds aren’t better than that is that even though Embiid is not listed as injured, he seems to be fighting off just about everything a player can. The man has Bell’s palsy.
As for the Knicks, Mitchell Robinson, frequently involved in the heated action on Thursday, is listed as day-to-day (ankle).
New York Knicks
The fact of the matter is that the Knicks are still up 2-1 in the series, and ultimately have home court advantage should that come into play with a Game 7. The key for them is how to steal a game in Philly so that this war of attrition doesn’t last any longer than it must.
The one constant for them through three games has been Josh Hart. Often considered a role player, he has exploded in these playoffs. He was good for 20 points in Game 3 off 8-for-16 shooting, including 4-for-8 from beyond the perimeter. Not many would have guessed he’d be as crucial to the Knicks’ success as he might truly be. Jalen Brunson wasn’t quiet per se. He finished with a terrific 39 points. The problem is he didn’t score 50 and fate isn’t against him like it apparently is against Embiid. A knock against Brunson is that he may be taking too many shots (27 in Game 3). They have capable shooters like Donte DiVincenzo and Bojan Bogdanovic too, but they didn’t fire as often as they could have.
Philadelphia 76ers
It’s easy to say that the 76ers will go as far as Joel Embiid can carry them, but Game 3 took that notion to ludicrous new heights.
It’s incredible to watch and reminds fans how special of a player he is. The killer question is: is this sustainable? Tyrese Maxey is a great talent, and he had a good Game 3 with 25 points, but there will have to be at least one game, preferably two, when Maxey takes over. Assuming Philly makes it out of the first round, that will have to repeated. Tobias Harris has been virtually invisible through three games (8.3 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr.’s numbers have gone down as well compared to the regular season (15.4 per game to 9.7). This can’t just be the Joel Embiid Show.
NBA Playoff Prediction: Who Will Win Knicks vs. 76ers Game 4?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 26 Apr 3:48am | PHI | -5.5 -105 | O +207.5 -115 |
| Closing 28 Apr 7:35pm | PHI | -2.5 -130 | O +205.5 -105 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
| Points |
28.73 |
| Assists |
6.74 |
| Rebounds |
9.2 |
| FG% |
69.1 |
| Steals |
1.74 |
| Blocks |
1.14 |
| Points |
34.69 |
| Assists |
6.19 |
| Rebounds |
11.03 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.58 |
| Blocks |
1.69 |
| Points |
32.38 |
| Assists |
7.46 |
| Rebounds |
11.54 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.23 |
| Blocks |
1.33 |
| Points |
33 |
| Assists |
6.83 |
| Rebounds |
10.83 |
| FG% |
48.4 |
| Steals |
1.83 |
| Blocks |
1.5 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
76ers Team Leaders
| Points |
28.73 |
| Assists |
6.74 |
| Rebounds |
9.2 |
| FG% |
69.1 |
| Steals |
1.74 |
| Blocks |
1.14 |
| Points |
34.69 |
| Assists |
6.19 |
| Rebounds |
11.03 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.58 |
| Blocks |
1.69 |
| Points |
32.38 |
| Assists |
7.46 |
| Rebounds |
11.54 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.23 |
| Blocks |
1.33 |
| Points |
33 |
| Assists |
6.83 |
| Rebounds |
10.83 |
| FG% |
48.4 |
| Steals |
1.83 |
| Blocks |
1.5 |
Injuries
Josh Hart (SG)
O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Josh Hart (SG)
O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Mitchell Robinson (C)
Mitchell Robinson (C)
Jericho Sims (C)
Jericho Sims (C)
Bojan Bogdanovic (SF)
Mitchell Robinson (C)
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF)
De'Anthony Melton (PG)
KJ Martin (PF)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Nicolas Batum (SG)
Tobias Harris (SF)
Mo Bamba (C)
Buddy Hield (SG)
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hart (SG) | Prob Sun | Abdominal - 19 / 05 / 24 | 0-1 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Hart is battling an abdominal strain, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers. |
|||||
| O.G. Anunoby (SF) | Out Sun | Hamstring - 19 / 05 / 24 | 0-1 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Anunoby has a hamstring injury, and he will not suit up against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Josh Hart (SG) | Prob Sun | Abdominal - 18 / 05 / 24 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Hart is battling an abdominal soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers. |
|||||
| O.G. Anunoby (SF) | Ques Sun | Hamstring - 08 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 3-3 | + - |
|
Anunoby missed the last game dealing with a left hamstring strain, and its is unclear if he will take part against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Mitchell Robinson (C) | out for season | Ankle - 07 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 3-3 | + - |
|
Robinson is likely to miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a stress injury to his left ankle. |
|||||
| Mitchell Robinson (C) | Prob Thurs | Ankle - 01 / 05 / 24 | 4-4 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will be a participant in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| Jericho Sims (C) | Ques Wed | Shoulder - 01 / 05 / 24 | 4-4 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Sims is battling right shoulder inflammation, and it is uncertain if he will take the floor in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pacers. |
|||||
| Jericho Sims (C) | Prob Tues | Shoulder - 29 / 04 / 24 | 5-4 | 5-4 | + - |
|
Sims is tending to right shoulder inflammation, but he is expected to take on the 76ers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Bojan Bogdanovic (SF) | out for season | Wrist - 28 / 04 / 24 | 5-5 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Bogdanovic will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season after having surgery to repair injuries to his left foot and left wrist. |
|||||
| Mitchell Robinson (C) | Prob Tues | Ankle - 24 / 04 / 24 | 5-6 | 6-5 | + - |
|
Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will be a participant in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF) | Prob Tues | Illness - 30 / 04 / 24 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Oubre Jr. is battling an illness, but it is likely that he will face the Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| De'Anthony Melton (PG) | Prob Thurs | Back - 13 / 04 / 24 | 5-2 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Melton has been out of the lineup with a back injury, and he is projected to return against the Knicks for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| KJ Martin (PF) | Prob Wed | Toe - 09 / 04 / 24 | 7-2 | 6-3 | + - |
|
Martin is nursing a left big toe contusion, but it is expected that he will battle the Heat in the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Ques Fri | Knee - 08 / 04 / 24 | 7-2 | 6-3 | + - |
|
Lowry sat out the last game with a left knee effusion, and it is unclear if he will be in Friday's lineup versus the Magic. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Sun | Rest - 07 / 04 / 24 | 8-2 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Lowry will not be active for Sunday's game versus the Spurs as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Nicolas Batum (SG) | Prob Sat | Foot - 06 / 04 / 24 | 9-2 | 7-4 | + - |
|
Batum is managing left foot soreness, but it is projected that he will partake in Saturday's showdown with the Grizzlies. |
|||||
| Tobias Harris (SF) | Prob Tues | Knee - 03 / 04 / 24 | 10-2 | 7-5 | + - |
|
Harris has been absent the previous three games with a hyperextended left knee, but it is expected that he will take the court Tuesday against the Pistons. |
|||||
| Mo Bamba (C) | Prob Sun | Illness - 02 / 04 / 24 | 11-2 | 8-5 | + - |
|
Bamba has been held out of the last three contests due to illness, but it is projected that he will face the Spurs on Sunday. |
|||||
| Buddy Hield (SG) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 26 / 03 / 24 | 14-3 | 11-6 | + - |
|
Hield exited the previous contest with an ankle injury, but it is forecasted that he will face the Clippers on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF) | Ques Wed | Shoulder - 25 / 03 / 24 | 14-3 | 11-6 | + - |
|
Oubre was held from the last match dealing with left shoulder soreness, and it is uncertain if he will take on the Clippers in Wednesday's battle. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 26 Apr 3:48am PHI -5.5 -105 O +207.5 -115 Closing 28 Apr 7:35pm PHI -2.5 -130 O +205.5 -105 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
Points 28.73
Assists 6.74
Rebounds 9.2
FG% 69.1
Steals 1.74
Blocks 1.14
Points 34.69
Assists 6.19
Rebounds 11.03
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.58
Blocks 1.69
Points 32.38
Assists 7.46
Rebounds 11.54
FG% 100
Steals 1.23
Blocks 1.33
Points 33
Assists 6.83
Rebounds 10.83
FG% 48.4
Steals 1.83
Blocks 1.5
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
76ers Team Leaders
Points 28.73
Assists 6.74
Rebounds 9.2
FG% 69.1
Steals 1.74
Blocks 1.14
Points 34.69
Assists 6.19
Rebounds 11.03
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.58
Blocks 1.69
Points 32.38
Assists 7.46
Rebounds 11.54
FG% 100
Steals 1.23
Blocks 1.33
Points 33
Assists 6.83
Rebounds 10.83
FG% 48.4
Steals 1.83
Blocks 1.5
-
Injuries
Josh Hart (SG)
Prob Sun Abdominal - 19 / 05 / 24O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Out Sun Hamstring - 19 / 05 / 24Josh Hart (SG)
Prob Sun Abdominal - 18 / 05 / 24O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Ques Sun Hamstring - 08 / 05 / 24Mitchell Robinson (C)
out for season Ankle - 07 / 05 / 24Mitchell Robinson (C)
Prob Thurs Ankle - 01 / 05 / 24Jericho Sims (C)
Ques Wed Shoulder - 01 / 05 / 24Jericho Sims (C)
Prob Tues Shoulder - 29 / 04 / 24Bojan Bogdanovic (SF)
out for season Wrist - 28 / 04 / 24Mitchell Robinson (C)
Prob Tues Ankle - 24 / 04 / 24Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF)
Prob Tues Illness - 30 / 04 / 24De'Anthony Melton (PG)
Prob Thurs Back - 13 / 04 / 24KJ Martin (PF)
Prob Wed Toe - 09 / 04 / 24Kyle Lowry (PG)
Ques Fri Knee - 08 / 04 / 24Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Sun Rest - 07 / 04 / 24Nicolas Batum (SG)
Prob Sat Foot - 06 / 04 / 24Tobias Harris (SF)
Prob Tues Knee - 03 / 04 / 24Mo Bamba (C)
Prob Sun Illness - 02 / 04 / 24Buddy Hield (SG)
Prob Wed Ankle - 26 / 03 / 24Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF)
Ques Wed Shoulder - 25 / 03 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Josh Hart (SG) Prob Sun Abdominal - 19 / 05 / 24 0-1 1-0 + - Hart is battling an abdominal strain, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers.
O.G. Anunoby (SF) Out Sun Hamstring - 19 / 05 / 24 0-1 1-0 + - Anunoby has a hamstring injury, and he will not suit up against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Josh Hart (SG) Prob Sun Abdominal - 18 / 05 / 24 1-1 1-1 + - Hart is battling an abdominal soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers.
O.G. Anunoby (SF) Ques Sun Hamstring - 08 / 05 / 24 3-3 3-3 + - Anunoby missed the last game dealing with a left hamstring strain, and its is unclear if he will take part against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Mitchell Robinson (C) out for season Ankle - 07 / 05 / 24 3-3 3-3 + - Robinson is likely to miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a stress injury to his left ankle.
Mitchell Robinson (C) Prob Thurs Ankle - 01 / 05 / 24 4-4 5-3 + - Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will be a participant in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.
Jericho Sims (C) Ques Wed Shoulder - 01 / 05 / 24 4-4 5-3 + - Sims is battling right shoulder inflammation, and it is uncertain if he will take the floor in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pacers.
Jericho Sims (C) Prob Tues Shoulder - 29 / 04 / 24 5-4 5-4 + - Sims is tending to right shoulder inflammation, but he is expected to take on the 76ers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Bojan Bogdanovic (SF) out for season Wrist - 28 / 04 / 24 5-5 6-4 + - Bogdanovic will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season after having surgery to repair injuries to his left foot and left wrist.
Mitchell Robinson (C) Prob Tues Ankle - 24 / 04 / 24 5-6 6-5 + - Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will be a participant in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF) Prob Tues Illness - 30 / 04 / 24 1-1 1-1 + - Oubre Jr. is battling an illness, but it is likely that he will face the Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round.
De'Anthony Melton (PG) Prob Thurs Back - 13 / 04 / 24 5-2 4-3 + - Melton has been out of the lineup with a back injury, and he is projected to return against the Knicks for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round.
KJ Martin (PF) Prob Wed Toe - 09 / 04 / 24 7-2 6-3 + - Martin is nursing a left big toe contusion, but it is expected that he will battle the Heat in the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Ques Fri Knee - 08 / 04 / 24 7-2 6-3 + - Lowry sat out the last game with a left knee effusion, and it is unclear if he will be in Friday's lineup versus the Magic.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Sun Rest - 07 / 04 / 24 8-2 6-4 + - Lowry will not be active for Sunday's game versus the Spurs as he will receive a day of rest.
Nicolas Batum (SG) Prob Sat Foot - 06 / 04 / 24 9-2 7-4 + - Batum is managing left foot soreness, but it is projected that he will partake in Saturday's showdown with the Grizzlies.
Tobias Harris (SF) Prob Tues Knee - 03 / 04 / 24 10-2 7-5 + - Harris has been absent the previous three games with a hyperextended left knee, but it is expected that he will take the court Tuesday against the Pistons.
Mo Bamba (C) Prob Sun Illness - 02 / 04 / 24 11-2 8-5 + - Bamba has been held out of the last three contests due to illness, but it is projected that he will face the Spurs on Sunday.
Buddy Hield (SG) Prob Wed Ankle - 26 / 03 / 24 14-3 11-6 + - Hield exited the previous contest with an ankle injury, but it is forecasted that he will face the Clippers on Wednesday.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF) Ques Wed Shoulder - 25 / 03 / 24 14-3 11-6 + - Oubre was held from the last match dealing with left shoulder soreness, and it is uncertain if he will take on the Clippers in Wednesday's battle.