Where To Watch 76ers-Knicks Showdown–Plus Predictions

The key focus in this series is going to be on the two guards: Brunson and Maxey.

Maxey’s known for being an offensive catalyst. Against Boston, Maxey hit scores of tough shots that helped propel Philly to a series win.

In head-to-head matchups against Brunson, Maxey’s got the PPG advantage–28.3 over Brunson’s 26. However, the latter’s proven to be more of an offensive catalyst. Brunson’s offensive impact is a +4 compared to Maxey’s 3.7, which might as well be four, but numbers and ball don’t lie.

Unless New York wants to put Hart on Maxey, I could expect Maxey having a huge offensive game for the 76ers. Defensively, Philly could put Quentin Grimes on Brunson–but I doubt that’s going to be a factor.

I think Philly takes Game 2. But it won’t be easy.

Final Score: 76ers win 108-96

Game 3: May 8, 7:00 PM EST

We can’t talk about the Knicks and 76ers without mentioning the front court talents.

KAT’s continuing his career resurgence in the Big Apple. He was good in Minnesota, but Towns has found his stride for the Knicks. A proven floor-spacer, a board-getter and defensive menace, Towns is a do-it-all, playmaking game changer.

Embiid’s no slouch either. We all know his game by now; excellent face-up abilities, floor spacing, and board getting. His game is similar to KAT’s in both share identical play styles, although Embiid’s more of a physical paint beast than KAT.

In head-to-head, Embiid’s got the edge on Towns. Through fourteen career games played against Towns, Embiid’s averaged 28 points, nine boards and four assists. The big question surrounding Embiid has always been health.

If Embiid stays healthy throughout the series, I imagine that could be the difference maker.

Final Score: 76ers win 101-84

Game 4: May 10, 3:30 PM EST

By Game 4, both teams should have a pretty solid gameplan against the other. For the Pistons, limiting outside shots and KAT’s possession time could make all the difference. If the Knicks clamp Maxey and put a stop to Embiid’s face-up game, there’s a good chance they win the series.

Historically, New York’s struggled in Game 4s, going 31-36. The 76ers have been dominant–47-34 in Game 4s.

Can Philly take Game 4 against the Knicks?

I don’t think so. That doesn’t mean it won’t be close.

I think Brunson hits a stupid shot with four seconds left to seal the deal and tie the series.

Final Score: Knicks win 124-122

Game 5: May 12, TBD

Game 5 is when the impact of injuries, or lack thereof, begin to show itself.

Remember when I told you if Embiid can stay healthy? He’s played in 36 games this year and missed three games in the 7-game series against Boston.

The thing is, the Knicks objectively have a better frontcourt than Boston. That’s not a knock on Neemias Queta, but is he better than KAT?

If Embiid misses time–which I think he will, the all-important Game 5 goes to the Knicks.

It won’t even be close, either.

Final Score: Knicks win 131-74

Game 6: May 14, TBD

New York gets the job done in six.

Why? New York fares better defensively. They ranked sixth in defensive efficiency in 2025-26, whereas the 76ers came in 16th.

The 76ers have a few key defensive pieces–Cameron Payne, Embiid, Grimes. It won’t be enough to stop the New York freight train.

The Knicks can clamp you down. Anunoby’s a beast inside the paint and on the perimeter. Hart’s a two-way player in every sense of the word; he can be your bucket-getter and bucket-stopper. Towns patrols the paint and the lanes. Against Atlanta, he racked up three steals a game.

With Embiid’s sordid injury history and New York’s proclivity for defense, Philadelphia’s cinderella upset against Boston will be all for naught.

Final Score: Knicks win 115-109

Game 7: May 17, TBD

In the event the 76ers make this a series and push it to Game 7, I doubt they have the fortitude to close it out.

Plus, Game 7 in the Garden’s going to be a madhouse. Waltzing into the Garden and stealing a series-clinching victory’s not impossible, but impossible for the 76ers.

Final Score: Knicks win 118-95

End Of My 76ers-Knicks Rant

I think this series is going to be better than I or others imagine. The storied rivalry between the 76ers-Knicks might have a flare up. It’s going to be a physical, grimey series that New York handles–but not without their fair share of bruises.

We’ve got a good one on our hands, fellas.