New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Preview (11/4/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

An Atlantic Division bout between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will occur this Friday night. Philadelphia just suffered a significant loss, with James Harden expected to miss a month, while the Knicks again fell short against the Atlanta Hawks, a team that seems to have had their number since their 2020-21 first-round playoff series. Take a look at this matchup preview below, where I cover my prediction, the projected starting lineups, the updated injury report, and current odds!

New York Knicks Vs. Philadelphia 76ers Betting Odds

The New York Knicks are three-point road dogs against the ever-struggling Philadelphia 76ers. Philly has one of the most talented rosters on paper in the NBA but is still below .500 on the season at 4-5. The Sixers will be without James Harden, who is expected to miss at least one month due to a right foot tendon strain; they also have Joel Embiid and Matisse Thybulle listed as questionable, or day-to-day, on the injury report. Meanwhile, New York should have a completely healthy roster as Quentin Grimes made his season debut against the Atlanta Hawks.

The point total for this Atlantic Division bout between the Knicks and 76ers was not firmly set when I wrote this article; however, look at the odds table above, as it will automatically update once it drops.

New York Knicks Vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction

Philadelphia has continued its uninspired play from last season’s playoffs. The Sixers are under .500 through nine games, despite having two MVP-caliber players on their squad and plenty of depth at all positions. When you look at the games Philadelphia has won, you’re still likely to feel underwhelmed; it split games with Washington and Toronto and beat Chicago and Indiana.

Now, Philadelphia will be without James Harden, which may help the ball movement in the short term, but undoubtedly will create offensive deficiencies long term; there’s even a possibility that the Sixers will rest Joel Embiid again due to a non-COVID-related illness.

On the other hand, New York is healthy but has lost three straight games. During that stretch, the Knicks have been outscored by roughly 12 points per game; they are not getting the offensive output they need from R.J. Barrett and Julius Randle. The offensive struggles that have plagued the Knicks for the past few years are still an issue.

In this game, we have two struggling teams looking to break out of an early season slump. I will stay off this game until I know whether or not Joel Embiid will be available. If Embiid doesn’t go, I will hammer the Knicks against the spread; they have the talent to win on the road against Philly, who would be without its two best players. If Embiid can play, I will probably live-bet the game and see how he looks through the first quarter.

Betting Trends

• New York is 1-2 ATS on the road in 2022-23
• Philadelphia is 1-3 ATS at home in 2022-23

Key Matchups

The key matchup in this game will be between Joel Embiid and the New York Knicks’ frontcourt. New York hasn’t been quite as efficient as it would like to be on the defensive end of the floor, but it does rank third in opponent eFG% (effective field goal percentage.) See further analysis for this matchup below!

Joel Embiid vs. Knicks’ Frontcourt

Assuming Joel Embiid can play, this will be the key matchup during this game. The Knicks are allowing the least amount of points in the NBA to opposing centers, which can be attributed mainly to Mitchell Robinson’s progression as a defender and the acquisition of Isaiah Hartenstein in the off-season. In three games last season, Joel Embiid averaged 26 points and nine rebounds on 40% from the field against New York. While this is nothing to scoff at, these numbers come in well below what Embiid averaged against most other teams, especially his shooting from the field. Considering that Embiid is coming off sickness and likely not 100% healthy, the advantage here goes to the Knicks. Advantage: New York

New York Knicks Starting Lineups

PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Evan Fournier
SF: R.J. Barrett
PF: Julius Randle
C: Mitchell Robinson

Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup

PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: De’Anthony Melton
SF: Tobias Harris
PF: P.J. Tucker
C: Joel Embiid

Key Injuries

New York Knicks Injuries: None

Philadelphia 76ers Injuries: James Harden (Out), Joel Embiid (Q), Matisse Thybulle (Q)