New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (2/22/24)
The New York Knicks (33-22) battle the Philadelphia 76ers (32-22) this Thursday (2/22/24). Get Knicks vs. 76ers moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction
Since Joel Embiid’s injury, the 76ers are 28th in Defensive Rating and surrender the eighth largest field goal percentage within eight feet of the basket. Tyrese Maxey and Buddy Hield form an extremely poor point-of-attack defensive duo, so All-Star Jalen Brunson should feast inside the paint all night. He’s averaging 32.3 points on effective 51/37/84 shooting splits over his past 15 games too.
In addition to a shabby interior defense, opponents have produced the fifth most open plus wide open three-point attempts per game post Embiid injury. This season, Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Alec Burks, and Bojan Bogdanovic have combined for a 40.8 3PT% on nearly 27 attempts per game, which doesn’t bode well for Philly.
The 76ers sit 20th in opponent offensive rebound percentage and 23rd in opponent free throw attempt rate with Embiid out. New York is an elite offensive rebounding team and draws fouls at a high rate, so they can exploit Philadelphia in these areas. This success will grant them extra possessions and high quality possessions.
On the other end, Philly has taken the eighth fewest three-point attempts and second most field goal attempts within eight feet of the basket during Embiid’s absence. Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein ranks sixth in both rim points saved per 75 possessions and rim defensive field goal percentage versus expected (via Basketball Index, min. 750 minutes). Look for New York to stifle Philadelphia inside.
Finally, injuries have decimated the 76ers’ depth, while the Knicks still boast a strong bench led by Bogdanovic and Burks. It’s likely that the second unit convincingly wins their minutes.
Overall, backing New York is the best bet.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Knicks +1.5 & Moneyline
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New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Best Odds
The 76ers enter this contest as slight one point favorites; they are 3-5 and 24th in Net Rating since Embiid’s injury. Meanwhile, New York is 4-5 and 23rd in Net Rating since losing both Anunoby and Randle to injury.
For the Knicks’ -102 moneyline to be profitable in the long run, they need to win here at least 51 percent of the time.
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Donte DiVincenzo
SF: Josh Hart
PF: Precious Achiuwa
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup
PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: Buddy Hield
SF: Kelly Oubre Jr
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Paul Reed
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Injuries
Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson are all out for the Knicks, but Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Hartenstein hold probable tags. The 76ers lack Joel Embiid, De’Anthony Melton, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Key Matchups
76ers 3PT Shooting
It will be difficult for Philadelphia to score inside against Isaiah Hartenstein and company, so it’s imperative that they have a strong night from deep. Tyrese Maxey and Buddy Hield are the only true threats; therefore, those two will be essential tonight. If they produce a poor shooting night, then the 76ers are highly likely to lose.
