The second round of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tip off with the No. 7 seed Philadelphia 76ers at the No. 3 seed New York Knicks for Game 1 on Monday, May 4 at 8:00 pm, ET.
The longtime rivals meet again, as the Philadelphia 76ers look to rewrite history after a painful home loss to the Knicks the last time these teams met in the 2024 first-round playoffs.
New York Knicks
After falling behind 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in Round 1, head coach Mike Brown adjusted the offense to feature Karl-Anthony Towns as the primary playmaker aside from Jalen Brunson.
This switch led to the astonishing 140-89 blowout in Game 6, sending the Knicks to Round 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. In this game the Knicks set the record for largest halftime lead in NBA postseason history (83-36) and the largest playoff win in franchise history.
The Knicks don't need to reinvent themselves - they need to double down on what got them here and stay disciplined across the series. It starts with Jalen Brunson, he has to control the tempo and be efficient as the teams primary scorer and playmaker.
New York is known for their elite rebounding skills, and players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby must capitalize on these possessions to generate important second-chance points.
Their challenge will be controlling Tyrese Maxey's fast-paced game. One of the most explosive guards in the league, how the Knicks respond defensively could shift this series.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers advance to Round 2 of the playoffs for the first time since 2023 after knocking out the Boston Celtics in Game 7.
The 76ers trailed the Celtics 3-1 before gaining back their missing piece, Joel Embiid. After getting his appendix removed in early April, Joel returned and the 76ers eliminated the Celtics in the playoffs for the first time since 1982.
For the 76ers, this upcoming series comes down to their health and each player stepping up. It starts with Joel Embiid, he has to be dominant - scoring efficiently, drawing fouls, and protecting the rim.
Tyrese Maxey is just as important, his speed is a major advantage in this matchup, and the 76ers need him pushing tempo, attacking off the dribble, and not giving the Knicks time to set up their defense.
The Knicks thrive on second-chance points and physical play, so Philadelphia has to hold its ground, avoid unnecessary fouls, and keep composure.
76ers & Knicks Playoff Series Schedule 2026
All times are Eastern, (Best of 7 series, game 5-7 may not happen).
Game 1: Philadelphia at New York, Monday May 4 (8 ET)
Game 2: Philadelphia at New York, Wednesday May 6 (7 ET)
Game 3: New York at Philadelphia, Friday May 8 (7ET)
Game 4: New York at Philadelphia, Sunday May 10 (3:30 ET)
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)
76ers vs. Knicks Game 1 Odds
Spread | Total | Money Line | |
PHI 76ers | +7.5 -110 | O 213.5 -110 | +235 |
NY Knicks | -7.5 -110 | U 213.5 -110 | -290 |
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