76ers vs Knicks: Betting preview, predictions & TV Schedule for Game 2

After losing the opening game of the series 111-104, the Philadelphia 76ers head back to Madison Square Garden with hopes of leveling the playing field. They’ll be doing so with a potentially hampered Joel Embiid, but hopes remain high. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Game 2.

76ers vs Knicks: Game info

Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 7:30pm ET
Location: Madison Square Garden
TV channel: TNT

Betting info

Spread: Philadelphia 76ers +5 (-110) | New York Knicks -5
Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers +162 | New York Knicks -198
Total: Over/Under 209.5

Betting preview

The Sixers struggled to get it all together in the opening game of the series. Things looked steady until the city was forced to hold its breath after Joel Embiid came down on his left knee — the one that has only recently been rehabbed from a surgery many believed would be season-ending. The Knicks jumped out to a 12-point lead at the half and although last year’s MVP returned to ignite an early run in the third quarter, they were unable to stop a New York rally that saw the Knicks dominate the paint.

The big question mark going into Monday night’s game is obviously the status of Joel Embiid. The big man had 18 points at the half, ending with 29 while adding 8 boards, 6 assists, and a pair of steals. His impact on this team is immeasurable, with Embiid spurring the late-season run that pushed the Sixers here in the first place. As things stand, he’s good to go for Game 2, but just how well he’ll be able to play is anyone’s guess, with his jumping clearly being hampered in the second half of the opener.

Aside from Embiid, the Sixers will need a big game from Tyrese Maxey, who led the team with 33 points in Game 1. The youngster has flourished this season and was a shining light during Embiid’s long absence. If Joel is unable to get to 100% on Monday, Philly will need to run their offense with Maxey at the epicenter.

One big thing to watch here is rebounds. The Sixers actually did a great job defending the perimeter, but bled a lot of second-chance opportunities. The team was out rebounded 55-33, and I think we can all see what correlates to such a stat. It could be worth betting the OVER on player rebounds props for guys like Kyle Lowry and Tobias Harris, knowing it’s bound to be an area that Nick Nurse emphasized over the weekend.

Betting pick

The Sixers were unlucky in Game One. The injury to Embiid certainly knocked the wind out of their sails and although his return did inject some energy into the team, the Knicks were able to apply pressure and dominate the boards. The spread here is 5 points, and the Sixers lost by 7 while navigating uncharted waters.

Whether or not they win outright is another question entirely, but with a tweaked gameplan, Philly should be a little tighter on the interior and be able to prevent those big swings like we saw last time out. I like taking the points here.

Betting pick: 76ers +5 (-110)