The Philadelphia 76ers came back from 3-1 down to win their first-round series in the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics but they may need an even bigger comeback in their Eastern Conference semi-finals match-up against the New York Knicks.
The Sixers trail 2-0 after losing the first two games 137-98 and 108-102 at Madison Square Garden and they could be really struggling if they do not have star man Joel Embiid on the court - he is listed as questionable to play after missing Game 2.
The 76ers are favorites to strike back at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday night but the Knicks make plenty of appeal getting a small start on the spread.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers betting picks and predictions
New York Knicks +1.5 (-110)
The 76ers lost two of their three home games in their first-round series against the Boston Celtics so it may be an overreaction for them to be favorites for Game 3 as the venue switches to Philadelphia.
The Knicks have pocketed the first two games of the series by handy margins of 39 points and six points so they have plenty going for them as underdogs.
The SIxers went 23-18 at home in the regular season, which is only just better than the Knicks' road record of 22-19, and launching a comeback bid with Embiid either missing or probably not operating at 100 per cent efficiency is going to be tough for them.
Philly certainly did a better job in Game 2 than when they were crushed 137-98 in the series opener, defending more effectively against Jalen Brunson, whose points tally fell from 35 to 26, and they were up by one point after three quarters.
However, the gap between the teams remains noticeable and despite the Sixers' upset win over the Celtics, they are seventh seeds going up against third seeds and it is starting to show.
Under 213.5 points (-110)
Game 2 produced 210 points, which was 25 fewer than the first skirmish of the series, and another lower game total is worth backing.
Embiid is questionable for the 76ers, which could suppress the total. He averaged 25.2 points in the regular season and posted 33 or more points in two of the final three games against the Celtics, but was able to play only 25 minutes of Game 1, scoring just 14 points, before missing Game 2.
The Knicks also have an injury concern over one of their key offensive players as OG Anunoby is considered questionable with a hamstring strain. He averaged 21.4 points in the regular season and has contributed 18 and 24 in the first two games against Philly.
The total has gone under in the game following three of the 76ers' first four defeats in these playoffs and that trend could continue.
Paul George over 2.5 threes made (+100)
Philadelphia's Paul George attempted more three-point shots in Game 2 than he had in any game since March and while he wasn't wildly successful, the willingness to shoot from downtown bodes well for him to make at least three treys in Game 3.
George made four threes from just six attempts in Game 1, then more than doubled his attempts to 13 in Game 2, while being successful only five times.
He has made three or more from beyond the arc in seven consecutive games, though, and can drain at least three more on Friday.
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New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers odds
Knicks | +100 |
76ers | -120 |
Spread | PHI 76ers -1.5 |
Total Points | O/U 213.5 |
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers player props
Player points
Jalen Brunson (NY Knicks) | O/U 26.5 |
Joel Embiid (PHI 76ers) | O/U 26.5 |
Tyrese Maxey (PHI 76ers) | O/U 25.5 |
Karl-Anthony Towns (NY Knicks) | O/U 20.5 |
Paul George (PHI 76ers) | O/U 16.5 |
OG Anunoby (NY Knicks) | O/U 16.5 |
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers team news
New York Knicks
The Knicks' biggest injury concern is forward OG Anunoby, who left Game 2 after feeling the back of his leg and is listed as questionable with a strained right hamstring. Josh Hart is questionable with a left thumb sprain but center Mitchell Robinson is likely to return after missing Game 2 due to illness.
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is questionable for the 76ers due to a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness. He missed Game 2 after feeling sore following the morning shootaround in New York.
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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.
