The new-look New York Knicks will face off with the 76ers on Friday night. The Knicks are 2-0 with OG Anunoby in the lineup, and the 76ers recently got their big man Joel Embiid back, setting up a thrilling Eastern Conference showdown on ESPN.
This is the first Knicks vs. 76ers matchup this season, and the Sixers are favored to take the first battle.
The Knicks lost their big man Mitchell Robinson for the season in early December, causing their defense to take a significant step back. Without many viable big men on the market, they focused on the Raptors forward Anunoby, one of the league's better perimeter defenders.
Although a small sample size, the Knicks have gone 2-0 with him on the court, and Anunoby’s defense is a significant part of why.
They’ll need all the defense they can muster tonight against the Sixers with Embiid back in the lineup. Their big man has scored at least 30 points in 15 consecutive games and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Below are the live odds for one of Friday’s Knicks vs. 76ers matchups and additional betting information, including prop picks for the biggest stars suiting up.
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Knicks vs. 76ers odds: Point spread, moneyline, and total for Friday night's matchup
Check out the live spread, moneyline, and total odds for NBA Friday’s Knicks vs. 76ers contest from top sports betting apps.
New York Knicks betting news
The Knicks’ all-star power forward, Julius Randle, is playing some of his best ball this season. In December, he averaged 27.6 points on 54.5% shooting from the field. That’s nearly a six-point scoring increase and a 12-percentage point increase in shooting percentage from his November totals.
In his last two games, he has scored at least 35 points, helping to end New York’s recent three-game losing skid.
His running mate, Jalen Brunson, has held steady in offensive production this year, averaging 25.7 points per game and 6.4 assists, and he is shooting 46.8% from the field.
They are the primary scorers for a Knicks’ offense that is middle of the pack this season, only averaging 115 points per game. With the departure of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, their offense has lost a little more of its firepower.
But what they lose in offense, they gain in defense.
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Philadelphia 76ers betting news
The 76ers have stayed afloat in the absence of Embiid, thanks to Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. Both significantly elevated their play to split the four games their superstar has missed recently.
Harris was most impressive between the two, averaging 21.5 points per contest in that stretch – a four-point jump from his regular average.
Whether or not he can maintain that level of play will be critical to their long-term desires, and they’ll get a glimpse of whether he is up to the challenge tonight.
In the meantime, the Sixers now have Embiid back, averaging 34.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and shooting 53.9% from the field.
With him on the court, they are one of the most prolific offenses in the association, which sets up a big test for the new-look Knicks’ defense.
Read: NBA Rookie of the Year odds
Knicks vs. 76ers game props at FanDuel Sportsbook
If you’re looking for great value on player props for the game, it doesn’t get much better than FanDuel Sportsbook. The markets below are a few of our favorites for tonight’s game.
Joel Embiid prop bets
- 1.5 made threes OVER (+154) / Under (-200)
- 34.5 points (OVER (-110) / UNDER (-110)
- 11.5 rebounds OVER (-105) / UNDER (-115)
Tyrese Maxey prop bets
- 28.5 points OVER (-104) / UNDER (-118)
- 6.5 assists OVER (-122) / UNDER (+100)
Julius Randle prop bets
- 27.5 OVER (-102) / UNDER (-120)
- 8.5 rebounds OVER (-132) / UNDER (+108)
Jalen Brunson prop bets
- 27.5 points OVER (-105) / UNDER (-115)
- 2.5 made threes OVER (+116) / UNDER (-148)
Knicks vs. 76ers prediction: Philly to protect home court with defense
The 76ers not only got Embiid back, but they recently got their premiere wing defender Nicolas Batum back as well. With him on the court, their defense is one of the best in the league.
Batum is equipped to slow Randle down, and without a big night from the Knicks’ star forward, they likely won’t have the firepower to keep pace.
Prediction: 76ers
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