Tonight, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will battle at Madison Square Garden in the third matchup between the two Atlantic Division teams this season. The Knicks won the first game in November and Philadelphia prevailed on Christmas Day.
For the 76ers, this is about continuing to handle business and win games. They've won nine of their last 10 and continue to overpower teams with Joel Embiid — arguably the most unstoppable offensive force in the NBA today. It will take a complete effort if the Knicks want to keep this game close.
Find out your best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Knicks vs. 76ers tonight.
76ers vs Knicks best odds
76ers vs Knicks picks and predictions
The New York Knicks are still without starting defensive-minded center Mitchell Robinson, which will be as noticeable as ever tonight against the dominant Joel Embiid.
To say Embiid has been incredible is an understatement. The 28-year-old averages 33.5 points per game, ranking him first in the entire NBA. Embiid does this at an efficient 53.4 field goal percentage, scoring from inside and outside.
Tonight is a bad matchup for the Knicks, as they'll have to figure out a way to slow down Embiid with two backups in Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein. Both players would need more size and skill to pose a real challenge for Embiid.
In twenty minutes last night, Sims logged a disappointing stat line of zero points and one rebound. Occasionally, he can make a highlight-reel dunk, but he's a raw, young player who still has a great deal of learning to do.
Embiid, throughout his career, has been a force against the Knicks, averaging 24.3 points. This season, in the one matchup Embiid, was available to play against New York, he made an even bigger statement, hanging 35 points on the Knicks on 54.5% shooting.
It should be noted Robinson started that game for the Knicks, scoring 10 points and grabbing 16 rebounds while defending Embiid. Without Robinson, Embiid could be in for a massive night playing against his backups.
The Knicks' defense has reverted since Robinson's injury to a fluke defense that gives up too many points and struggles late in games. On the season, the Knicks' defense ranks 17th in defensive rating (113.7).
Against the Los Angeles Clippers last night, they allowed both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to score over 30 points. New York will be in a world of trouble tonight, trying to slow down perhaps the most challenging assignment in all of basketball.
My best bet: Joel Embiid Over 32.5 points (-115)
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76ers vs Knicks spread analysis
Tonight would appear a bad spot for the Knicks as they face the 76ers after playing the Clippers last night. However, the rest disadvantage hasn't impacted the Knicks negatively this season. They are 6-3-1 ATS with a rest disadvantage and 3-3-1 ATS with no rest.
The Knicks are a durable and tough team that always plays with an engine, so, the back-to-back shouldn't make any bettors nervous if you consider taking the Knicks tonight.
In two games this season, the Knicks and 76ers have split ATS victories, with the Knicks winning in November and Philadelphia in December. We know what Embiid will do tonight, which is dominate, and even though the Knicks might show little fatigue tonight, they can't compete with Philadelphia on most nights.
The Knicks' starting center, Sims, will be asked to defend Embiid, and that simply isn't fair to a young player still trying to prove he belongs in the NBA. I expect the 76ers to feed Embiid early and often and try to put this one away early.
Philadelphia's last three wins have all been by at least seven or more points. They have an impressive 30-21 ATS record and 12-11 ATS on the road and have also covered four straight contests away from home.
That's bad news for the Knicks, who have failed to cover their last eight ATS home game spreads against a team with a road winning percentage greater than.600.
76ers vs Knicks Over/Under analysis
Currently, the Over/Under is available across sportsbooks between 226 and 226.5. The majority of the sportsbooks lean towards 226.
The Knicks, playing on no rest, will struggle to slow down this 76ers offense, currently ranked No. 6 in offensive rating (115.6). The Knicks' already underachieving defense will likely take a hit when you factor in the back-to-back.
Philadelphia has hit the Over in its last five road games against teams with a losing home record. Brunson put all his eggs in the basket last night when he scored 41 points, and the Knicks still lost. Another spirited effort from him may drive the scoreboard up tonight.
76ers vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Over is 10-2 in Philadelphia's last 12 games following an ATS win. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Knicks.
76ers vs Knicks game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Sunday, February 5, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
