Knicks and 76ers Renew Playoff Rivalry as Game 1 Tips Off at Madison Square Garden

Key facts

• Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the No. 3 Knicks (53-29) and No. 7 76ers (45-37) tips off Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.
• Philadelphia rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the second-seeded Celtics 109-100 in Game 7, their first series win since 2023.
• New York overcame a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Atlanta in six games, routing the Hawks 140-89 in the clincher on April 30.
• The Knicks are 7.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook, with an over/under of 213.5 points.
• Joel Embiid (hip) is probable for the Sixers; Jeremy Sochan (hamstring) is questionable for New York.
• This is the 11th playoff meeting between the franchises; Philadelphia holds a 6-4 edge, but New York won the last series in 2024.
• In the first half, Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while the Knicks bench outscored Philadelphia's reserves 9-0.

Lede: A Rivalry Renewed Under the Garden Lights

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers opened their Eastern Conference semifinal series Monday night at Madison Square Garden, a matchup that pits two teams with contrasting paths to the second round. The Knicks, the No. 3 seed, cruised past Atlanta in six games, while the 76ers, the No. 7 seed, stunned the second-seeded Boston Celtics in a seven-game first-round upset. Tipoff arrived at 8 p.m. ET, with New York installed as a 7.5-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook and an over/under of 213.5 points. The game is broadcast on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Philadelphia’s Improbable Run and the Embiid Factor

The 76ers entered the playoffs as underdogs after a regular season marred by injuries and inconsistency. Joel Embiid, the former MVP, battled hip issues throughout the year, and Paul George, signed to a max contract to bolster the roster, regressed from his prime. Yet Philadelphia rallied from a 3-1 deficit against Boston, winning Game 7 on the road 109-100 behind Embiid’s 34 points and 12 rebounds. Embiid is listed as probable for Game 1, but early signs raised concerns. During the first half, he was seen grimacing and grabbing at his chest, and after bumping knees with teammate Tyrese Maxey, he was removed from the game. He also picked up three fouls in the opening quarter, limiting his aggressiveness.

New York’s Depth and Brunson’s Early Dominance

The Knicks, who have reached the East semifinals for the fourth consecutive year, boast a deep rotation that has been a key advantage. Jalen Brunson, their leading scorer, carried the offense in the first quarter, pouring in 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. New York made 10 of its first 15 field-goal attempts, building an early lead. Coach Mike Brown deployed Mitchell Robinson earlier than usual after Karl-Anthony Towns encountered foul trouble. The Sixers’ Nick Nurse intentionally fouled Robinson, a 40.8% free-throw shooter, who missed all four attempts in the quarter. Brown then substituted Robinson for Ariel Hukporti. The Knicks bench outscored Philadelphia’s reserves 9-0 in the first half, highlighting a glaring disparity.

Tactical Adjustments and Statistical Trends

Both teams entered the series with efficient offenses that rank in the top six in fewest turnovers per game, ensuring most possessions end with points. The four regular-season meetings averaged 230 combined points, with each game exceeding 221. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, projects a combined 218 points and recommends betting the over (213.5), which hits in 56% of simulations. Philadelphia’s offense struggled early, settling for jump shots and scoring only eight points in the paint. The Sixers’ bench took just two shot attempts in the first half, both from Quentin Grimes, and failed to score. The margin for error is slim given their razor-thin bench depth.

Historical Context and Series Stakes

This is the 11th playoff meeting between the Knicks and 76ers, with Philadelphia holding a 6-4 edge in series history. New York won the most recent postseason clash in 2024, a first-round victory in six games. The 76ers, however, have reshaped their roster since then, acquiring Paul George to form a big three with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The winner of this series advances to the Eastern Conference finals, a stage neither team has reached since 2023. For Philadelphia, the upset of Boston has fueled belief that anything is possible, but the Knicks present a steep challenge with home-court advantage and a proven playoff core.

Outlook: What Comes Next

Game 1 sets the tone for a series that could swing on health and bench production. Embiid’s physical condition will be a constant storyline; if he is not at full strength, the Sixers’ offense could falter. The Knicks, meanwhile, will continue to lean on Brunson and their depth, with OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns providing support. The series schedule is packed: Game 2 is Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, Game 3 on Friday in Philadelphia, and Game 4 on Sunday. If necessary, Games 5 through 7 would follow on May 12, 14, and 17. The 76ers must find bench contributions and paint scoring to keep pace with a Knicks team that appears deeper and healthier.

Closing Analysis: A Test of Resolve

The Knicks enter as favorites, but the 76ers have already proven they can defy expectations. Philadelphia’s comeback against Boston demonstrated resilience, but the Knicks present a different challenge: a balanced offense, a stifling defense, and a crowd that turns Madison Square Garden into a fortress. If Embiid can manage his hip and foul trouble, the series could stretch deep. If not, New York’s depth may prove too much. One thing is certain: this rivalry, renewed under the bright lights of the playoffs, will deliver drama. The first half already offered a preview—intensity, tactical chess moves, and a star player in visible pain. The next two weeks will determine which team’s story continues.

The bottom line

• The Knicks lead Game 1 early, fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 14 first-quarter points and a 9-0 bench scoring advantage.
• Joel Embiid is probable with a hip injury but showed signs of discomfort and foul trouble in the first half.
• Philadelphia’s bench failed to score in the first half, taking only two shots, while New York’s reserves contributed nine points.
• The SportsLine model projects 218 combined points and recommends betting the over (213.5), which hits in 56% of simulations.
• This is the 11th playoff meeting between the franchises; Philadelphia leads 6-4 but New York won the last series in 2024.
• The series schedule includes Game 2 on Wednesday, Game 3 on Friday, and Game 4 on Sunday, with potential games through May 17.