Will Embiid’s Health Derail The 76ers?
Line Movement Favors New York When Looking At The 76ers vs Knicks Betting Odds
The New York Knicks will welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Madison Square Garden for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round matchup.
The Knicks won 50 games this season and landed the No. 2 seed. Meanwhile, the 76ers won 47 games and had to play in the Play-In Tournament before locking up the No. 7 seed in the East.
The 76ers fell down the standings with Joel Embiid out for two months. While he’s not 100% healthy, he’s back on the floor, and the 76ers are winning again because of his presence.
Although sportsbooks have the NBA betting lines favoring the 76ers to win the series against the Knicks, New York is currently -3.5 (-105) against the spread for Game 1.
Meanwhile, the total is set at 209.5, with the Under juiced to -115. The Knicks had been 2.5-point favorites when the line opened. The total also jumped from 206.5 to 209.5, with about a day left before the game tips off.
Let’s break down these 76ers vs Knicks betting odds for tomorrow’s opening-round game in the best-of-7 series.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks 
Day/Time:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Streaming: ESPN
76ers vs Knicks Betting Odds & Trends
The New York Knicks were profitable against the spread, going 43-36-3 this season. Meanwhile, the Under hit eight more times than the Over for the Knicks this season.
Most of all, the Knicks went 27-14 at home, where they’ll play the first two games of the series.
On the other hand, the 76ers only went 22-19 on the road. Still, the 76ers went 48-33-1 against the spread, proving that they outplayed their expectations once Embiid went down.
While the 76ers hit the Over four more times than the Under, the 76ers and Knicks went Under in all four games played against one another this season. The 76ers didn’t reach 100 points in any of those four games and lost three of four outright when looking at the previous 76ers vs Knicks betting odds.
Embiid Is Still Not 100 Percent
It’s good to see Joel Embiid back on the floor for the NBA playoffs. But after just 23 points against the Heat in the Play-In Tournament, it’s clear he’s not entirely 100 percent.
Still, the Sixers are 31-8 in games where Embiid plays and just 16-27 without him. He’s really significant to this team, which is ultimately why he rushed back to play for the 76ers despite not being fully ready to go.
Embiid’s not moving as quickly and has been seen slowly jogging back on defense at times. He’s also not dominating around the paint and has relied more on his jump shot since returning.
That’s not going to help the 76ers win. Not against the Knicks.
Bulletin Board Material
Paul Reed was on the Run It Back podcast and told Chandler Parsons that the Sixers were interested in playing the Knicks instead of the Boston Celtics because they’re the easy matchup.
The media went nuts with his words, and Knicks fans took offense to his words.
However, he wasn’t wrong. The Celtics are the best team in the NBA, with multiple superstars who can take over any night. Of course, the 76ers would rather play the Knicks than the Celtics, just like every team in the NBA.
So, while the Knicks might use these quotes as bulletin board material, all of this is really a nonstory.
Give Game 1 To The Knicks
Many young New York fans have never seen the Knicks be this good before. Older Knicks fans have been waiting for an opportunity to enjoy success from the Knicks.
The organization will not take this for granted, and the fans will not either. They will bring the juice.
That said, while the 76ers match up well against the Knicks, Philadelphia also lost three of four games against them this season.
While some of those games were without Joel Embiid, the Knicks didn’t have Julius Randle either. Both are All-Star caliber players.
Embiid is back, but he’s not 100 percent. Meanwhile, when the Knicks have a healthy O.G. Anunoby, they’re ultimately unstoppable.
Anunoby brings a tremendous defensive intensity to this group. But he’s also a terrific scorer. He can score from anywhere on the court and has a great basketball IQ. He’s always in the correct position and spot to hit a bucket or make a play.
Plus, some would say Jalen Brunson is the best player on the court, even when Embiid is playing, too. Brunson has been unconscious late this season, scoring 30+ points in seven straight games coming into this one. With Embiid not at 100%, it’s not farfetched to think Brunson is the best player on the court.
The Knicks haven’t played their best defense in April. However, they’ve always played good defense against the 76ers this season. If New York can continue scoring at a solid pace under Brunson and can defend the 76ers well enough to keep them below 100 points in this game, you can expect the Knicks to escape with a Game 1 victory.
After all, the Knicks have added at least 124.2 points per 100 possessions in five of their last seven games. Philadelphia hasn’t scored 124.2 points per 100 possessions since March.
Already this season, the MLB scores have favored the Knicks in 75% of games against the 76ers. Therefore, our pick will include the Knicks at -3.5 (-105).
For MLB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
