The Philadelphia 76ers (0-1) and New York Knicks (1-0) will square off in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Knicks are 7.5-point favorites over the Sixers on the spread (Knicks -7.5), with the over/under set at 215.5 total points. New York is a -305 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Philadelphia is priced at +245 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my 76ers vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks for Game 2 on Wednesday, May 6.
76ers vs Knicks Prediction
- 76ers vs Knicks picks: 76ers 1Q +2.5 (-120) | 76ers 1H +3.5 (-105)
My 76ers vs. Knicks best bet is split between Philadelphia to cover the spread in the first quarter and first half of Game 2 tonight. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
76ers vs Knicks Odds for Game 2
| 76ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -105 | 215.5 -110o / -110u | +245 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -115 | 215.5 -110o / -110u | -305 |
76ers vs Knicks NBA Playoffs Game 2 Preview
Philadelphia 76ers Betting Preview, Analysis
Let’s be honest: Game 1 was about as ugly as it gets for Philadelphia. If you looked at the scoreboard and saw a 137-98 final score, you’d be forgiven for thinking this series is already over.
But, I’ve been doing this long enough to know that Game 1 is often a liar. It’s a "shock to the system" game, especially for a Sixers team coming off a grueling seven-game series. They were tired, their legs were gone, and they ran into a buzzsaw.
The bigger issue for Philly is the offense. You simply aren't winning in MSG if you only score 98 points.
The Knicks completely snuffed out the Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid two-man game by overloading the pick-and-roll, essentially triple-teaming Maxey and daring the role players to shoot. Maxey finished with just nine attempts in 27 minutes—that is a total failure of execution.
For Game 2, expect the 76ers to pivot toward more dribble handoff action. By using Embiid as a handoff hub, they can get Maxey downhill without letting the Knicks wall off the paint.
New York Knicks Betting Preview, Analysis
The Knicks enter Game 2 looking like the 1986 Celtics—the only other team in NBA history to close a series with a 30-point win and then open the next round with another 30-point demolition.
The Knicks hit 19 triples at a 51% clip in the series opener, and while that kind of outlier shooting usually regresses, New York’s execution was honest and clinical.
Their defensive game plan is working to perfection: take away Maxey at all costs and dare anyone else to beat you.
On the other end, Jalen Brunson is slicing up Embiid's drop coverage. Because Joel isn't mobile enough to play at the level anymore, Brunson has a runway to the middle of the floor.
Not only do the Knicks have the talent edge right now; they also have a rest and health advantage that Philly hasn't been able to recover from yet.
76ers vs Knicks Pick, Betting Analysis
76ers First Quarter Spread / First Half Spread
I’m a bit skeptical of the Sixers' ability to win the full game, but the ATS numbers in this specific bounce-back spot are too huge to ignore.
Historically, road underdogs coming off a loss of 19 points or more in Game 1 are 22-10-2 ATS in the first quarter in Game 2 (69% cover rate). If you extend that to the full first half, they are 21-12-1 ATS (64%).
This is the "pride factor." Teams rarely roll over and quit twice in a row, and Nick Nurse is great at recalibrating his script after a disaster.
I expect a much tighter, more disciplined first 24 minutes in Game 2 before the "post-Game 7" fatigue potentially sets back in for the second half.
VJ Edgecombe Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
If the adjustment for Philly is to "move the ball more," then one of beneficiaries is going to be VJ Edgecombe.
I am taking Edgecombe 2+ Three-Pointers Made at -146. This is a classic case of betting a market that hasn't moved yet.
We took Paul George in Game 1 and the books adjusted his line; they haven't done the same for VJ despite him hitting this in three of his last four games. Even in the 39-point blowout where the offense was stagnant, Edgecombe found his spots and knocked down two triples.
As Nurse implements more movement and dribble handoff actions to free up Maxey, the Knicks will be forced to help off the wings.
If VJ is hitting this number when the team only scores 98, he should also see enough volume to go over the line in a more competitive Game 2 environment.
Matt Moore's 76ers vs Knicks Best Bets for Game 2
- 76ers First Quarter Spread +2.5 (-120)
- 76ers First Half Spread +3.5 (-105)
- VJ Edgecombe Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-146)
