Injuries Continue to Plague 76ers, Knicks Ahead of Rematch

76ers vs Knicks Lines: New York NBA-Worst 24-40 vs Over/Under

While most NBA teams are dealing with injuries at this time of year, few are as beat up as the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. A who’s who of big names were sidelined for Philadelphia’s 79-73 victory over New York on Sunday at Madison Square Garden, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby.

Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET), the Eastern Conference rivals are slated to meet again in New York. The Knicks opened as 4.5-point favorites and -185 on the moneyline, with the 76ers priced at +154 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is just 213.5.

What should bettors expect? Read on as we break down both teams and assess the 76ers vs Knicks lines in our NBA game preview.

76ers logo Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks Knicks logo

Date, time:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York

Betting Trends

The Philadelphia 76ers are 34-29-1 ATS, including 17-13 away from home. Philadelphia’s games have trended toward the Over, as the 76ers are 35-29 against the Over/Under. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are 33-30-1 ATS, but just 16-17-1 at home. As for the Over/Under, New York is 24-40, having gone Under at the highest rate (62.5%) in the NBA.

Remember these betting trends when assessing the 76ers vs Knicks lines.

Waiting on Embiid

As Philadelphia hits the home stretch of the regular season, all eyes remain on Joel Embiid. The reigning NBA MVP has resumed on-court workouts for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in February, but he still is not expected to return until early April.

Adding to Philadelphia’s woes, star guard Tyrese Maxey has missed the last four games with a concussion. Head injuries can be unpredictable, so it is something bettors must keep an eye on as it pertains to the 76ers vs Knicks lines.

Kelly Oubre Jr. has stepped up in their absence to lead Philadelphia (36-28) in scoring in three of the last four games. He is averaging 22.8 points this month, 8.2 above his season average.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Embiid, oddsmakers have been leery of the 76ers’ outlook. The 76ers have dropped to +1100 to win the Eastern Conference +2500 to win the NBA Finals, the eighth shortest title odds.

Philadelphia is sixth in the East, one game behind fourth-place New York but also only a half-game ahead of seventh-place Indiana in the NBA playoff standings. As such, the 76ers must finish strong to avoid playing in the postseason play-in tournament.

The 76ers are just 10-20 this season without Embiid, who was leading the NBA in scoring (35.3 PPG) before his injury. Furthermore, in the last 18 games he’s missed, they are 6-12 ATS.

Injuries Loom over New York

Much like Philadelphia, the Knicks continue to be plagued by Injuries. While Jalen Brunson is back after a brief scare, the Knicks remain without multiple starters, including Julius Randle (shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle).

OG Anunoby — who has missed the last 18 games with a right elbow injury that required surgery — is expected to return within the next week, possibly even by Tuesday. But Randle and Robinson are facing longer absences.

The Knicks continue to play through Brunson, who is averaging a career-high 27.1 points and 6.5 assists. Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart have also stepped up. But for the Knicks to reach their potential, they will need to get healthy.

New York (37-27) is fourth in the East but only 1.5 games up on Indiana for seventh place. Like the 76ers, the Knicks will need to turn it on over the last 18 games to avoid the postseason play-in tournament. Since the start of February, the Knicks have been just 6-10 OU and 4-12 ATS.

As such, there is still some skepticism about the Knicks’ legitimacy as contenders. At the moment, they are +1100 to win the East and +3500 to win the NBA Finals.

Defense remains a strength despite the injuries, as the Knicks rank second in opponents’ scoring (108.8 PPG allowed) and fifth in rebounding rate. As part of that, no team has gone Under the projected total at a higher rate.

Handicapping the Game

This is the last of four regular-season meetings between the teams. New York owns a 2-1 edge, but Philadelphia is coming off a 79-73 win on Sunday.

So, while the Knicks rank slightly higher when grading NBA teams by division, the 76ers deserve credit for their resiliency in winning without both Embiid and Maxey.

Maxey, who is averaging a career-high 26 points and 6.3 assists, is probable for Tuesday. His return will be a big boost for a team that’s had to rely far too much on Oubre Jr. and Tobias Harris.

76ers vs Knicks Lines

For betting odds and analysis on NBA games today, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.


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