The NBA’s opening night has thrown up an almighty clash as the champions, the New York Knicks, welcome the Philadelphia 76ers and their new-look roster to Madison Square Garden.
New York ended their long wait for a championship when defeating Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the 2026 Finals and they are firmly among the favourites to win this season’s crown after retaining the core of their team.
The 76ers have also put themselves in that conversation with the signings of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, making for an intriguing opening-night clash at MSG on Tuesday.
76ers vs. Knicks betting picks and predictions
New York Knicks -4.5 (-112)
As the season progresses, Philly should become a force. However, the signs in pre-season suggest that, as many predicted, the fit of James, Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey may take a while to get going.
All four are All-Star level players but there is not enough ball for them all to be happy. For example, Maxey is at his best when given freedom to dribble and create shots for himself - we are unlikely to see that too much as James does the handling as he looks for dimes, Brown eats up Maxey’s three-point opportunities and Embiid demands shots in the paint.
The 76ers could be a real threat come the playoffs but, for now, take them on. The Knicks are the champions for a reason and Mike Brown’s settled squad, led by the always excellent Jalen Brunson, can kick off their title defense with a victory.
OG Anunoby 3+ Threes Made (+140)
Brunson’s excellence will see him marked closely by Brown or VJ Edgecombe, with the other likely to focus on Mikal Bridges. That is where Philly’s perimeter defense ends, though, and OG Anunoby could benefit from beyond the arc as a result.
Maxey lacks the size to close down a three-point shooter of the British Knick’s quality and James, nearing the ripe old age of 42, cannot dart out to the perimeter like he used to.
Anunoby came alive in the latter stages of the playoffs, knocking down 16 threes in the five Finals games alone, and he is a nice price to net three or more baskets from beyond the arc in New York’s opener.
Karl-Anthony Towns 13+ rebounds (+120)
The other issue Philly has is a lack of size. Embiid played only two of the 76ers’ four pre-season games, suggesting his minutes are still being managed after some lengthy injuries, but there is a lack of other bigs available to Nick Nurse as Adem Bona and Dominick Barlow are struggling with knocks.
That should open the door for Karl-Anthony Towns to dominate the paint. KAT averaged 11.9 rebounds per game last season and ended pre-season with a 15-board haul against the Toronto Raptors.
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76ers vs. Knicks odds
76ers | +155 |
Knicks | -111 |
Spread | Knicks -4.5 |
Total Points | O/U 232.5 |
76ers vs. Knicks player props
Player points
Jaylen Brown (76ers) | O/U 20.5 |
Lebron James (76ers) | O/U 16.5 |
Joel Embiid (76ers) | O/U 21.5 |
Jalen Brunson (Knicks) | O/U 27.5 |
Karl -Anthony Towns (Knicks) | O/U 18.5 |
OG Anunoby (Knicks) | O/U 17.5 |
76ers vs. Knicks Team News
The title-holding Knicks have reported no injury concerns but the 76ers have a few issues.
Philly will be without bigs Tacko Fall, Dominick Barlow and Ariel Hukporti while Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons and Adem Bona are listed as day-to-day.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
