Philadelphia (20-37) at New York (37-20)
- When: Feb 26 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- TV: ESPN
Game Preview
Knicks Favored by 10, Total Set at 230
The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers square off in an Eastern Conference clash on Wednesday night, with both teams looking to snap losing streaks. New York enters as a 10-point favorite, while Philadelphia is trying to avoid its ninth straight loss as its playoff hopes continue to fade.
The Knicks have struggled against elite teams, but Philadelphia’s recent form suggests this could be an ideal bounce-back opportunity. With the total set at 230, the biggest question is whether the 76ers’ depleted lineup can keep up or if New York will take control early and cruise to an easy win.
New York Knicks: Looking for a Bounce-Back Performance
The Knicks (37-20) sit third in the Eastern Conference, but they’ve had major issues against the league’s best teams. They haven’t beaten any of the NBA’s top three squads—the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Oklahoma City Thunder—going 0-7 in those matchups.
New York has had a tough time competing in those games, with an average margin of defeat of 20.1 points. That figure ballooned during their recent two-game road trip, where they suffered a 142-105 blowout loss to Cleveland and fell 118-105 in Boston.
However, despite falling into a massive 27-point hole against the Celtics, the Knicks showed life in the third quarter, using a 35-12 run to get within four points before ultimately fading late.
“Whatever we did in the first, second, and fourth quarter doesn’t really matter,” Knicks guard Jalen Brunson said. “The third quarter, what we showed was how we can play and how we can compete. That’s how we should play all the time.”
Against weaker opponents, the Knicks have been far more reliable, and Philadelphia fits that description perfectly right now. Expect Brunson and the Knicks to push the tempo early, take advantage of Philadelphia’s defensive woes, and cover the spread at home.
Key Betting Trends for New York:
Knicks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last five games vs. teams below .500.
The Knicks are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.
Philadelphia 76ers: Free-Falling Without Embiid
The 76ers (30-28) are in a tailspin, currently riding an eight-game losing streak, which is the longest active skid in the NBA and their worst stretch since 2016-17—the last time they missed the playoffs.
Philadelphia’s defensive struggles have been glaring, as they are allowing 113.5 points per game—the worst mark for the franchise since 1972-73, when they set an NBA record with 73 losses.
With Joel Embiid still out nursing a left knee injury, Philadelphia is 12-26 without him this season. Even when Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey have played together, the Sixers have been a mediocre 7-6.
Monday’s 142-110 home loss to the Chicago Bulls was yet another example of their defensive collapse, as they trailed by as many as 50 points and never put up much resistance.
“Regardless of who’s playing, who’s not playing, for this group to believe that we can be—not even to get to the playoffs—but make a push towards it, we’ve shown no signs of a team that will compete,” Paul George said.
If the Sixers can’t slow down New York early, this game could get out of hand quickly, especially with Brunson playing at an All-Star level.
Key Betting Trends for Philadelphia:
76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games vs. the Knicks.
Philadelphia is 0-8 in its last eight games.
Sixers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight matchups.
Game Prediction & Best Bets
With New York returning home against a struggling Philadelphia team, this sets up as a great opportunity for the Knicks to bounce back. Brunson should control the pace, and New York’s defense will be too much for an undermanned 76ers squad to handle.
Expect the Knicks to take care of business early, build a comfortable lead, and cover the spread against an exhausted Sixers team.
Best Bets:
Knicks -10.0 – New York has dominated against struggling teams, and Philadelphia is at its worst without Embiid.
Under 230.0 – The Sixers’ offense has been erratic, and the Knicks have played lower-scoring games against weaker opponents.
Final Score Prediction: New York 119, Philadelphia 105
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
