Knicks vs 76ers Picks and Predictions: Rejuvenated Sixers Run All Over Knicks

The New York Knicks got a taste of the NBA’s new “power couple” on the weekend and are back for more when they visit Joel Embiid, James Harden, and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.

The dynamic duo of Embiid and Harden combined for 66 points in Philadelphia’s 125-109 victory in Madison Square Garden on Sunday, easily putting the 7.5-point spread to bed. Oddsmakers have piled on double digits for the second game of his home-and-home set, which may not be enough considering how quickly Harden has fused with his new teammates.

Here are our free NBA picks and predictions for Knicks vs. 76ers on March 2.

Knicks vs 76ers odds

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Philadelphia opened as 10.5-point home chalk and has climbed as high as -11 at some shops. The total for this Atlantic Division dance hit the board at 222.5 points and has risen to 223 as of Wednesday morning.

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until tip-off and be sure to check out the full NBA odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.

Knicks vs 76ers predictions

• Prediction: Philadelphia -10.5 (-110)
• Prediction: Over 223 (-110)
• Best bet: Harden Over 10.5 assists (-120)

Predictions made on 3/2/2022 at 8:40 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Knicks vs 76ers game info

• Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
• Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2022
• Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN

Knicks vs 76ers betting preview

Key injuries

Knicks: Nerlens Noel C (Questionable), Derrick Rose G (Out), Kemba Walker G (Out), Quentin Grimes G (Out).
76ers: None.
Find our latest NBA injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The Knicks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. 76ers.

Knicks vs 76ers picks and predictions

Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.

Spread analysis

It’s only been two games, but James Harden’s influence on this Sixers offense is very evident. Philadelphia is playing at a higher gear overall, getting up and down the floor with urgency, and the two-man game between Harden and center Joel Embiid has scary potential.

Embiid is facing far less pressure on post-up series, with defenses more reluctant to bring the double team. And while the pick-and-roll run through those two is still evolving, it’s made for some highlight reel buckets in just two outings.

Not only does Harden create space and scoring opportunities in this playbook – tallying 28 total assists in two showings – but he’s a go-to option in isolation when the shot clock runs thin. In short, stopping this Sixers attack is a headache for any team – not just the Knicks.

New York watched Philly function at a high rate on Sunday, shooting 49% from the field en route to 125 points. The Knicks struggle against post-up attacks (league-high 1.05 points per play allowed) and that’s where the 76ers will strike in the halfcourt, dumping it into Embiid and working off what New York gives them.

Again, it’s only been two games, but there’s a natural fluidity to this Philadelphia attack, which boasts a post-Harden offensive rating of 124.6, compared to the pre-Beard metric of 111.0, which sat middle of the league.

The hype is real around this team, which means the public will pile on, so grab the 76ers as low as you can before books beef up Wednesday’s point spread.

Prediction: Philadelphia -10.5 (-110)

Over/Under analysis

The addition of Harden has made scoring in the halfcourt set so much easier, but he’s also injected the Sixers with speed and the ability to turn and burn in transition. 

Philadelphia’s pace rating jumped to 103.25 over the last two games, after sitting at 96.25 before his arrival – fourth-slowest in the NBA. That’s produced 41 total fastbreak points in those contests – a massive uptick from the 12.4 fastbreak points Philly posted before Harden’s arrival.

Much like Embiid thriving in the halfcourt, other members of the Sixers are shining in this speedier approach to transition. Second-year guard Tyrese Maxey has scored 49 points in the two games playing alongside Harden, simply beating rival backcourts in a foot race.

New York is playing its first road game since February 12 and watched its defensive stature shrink last month, posting a defensive rating of 116.5 in February (26th). That inability to slow down foes lead to not only a 1-9 SU mark, but an 8-2 Over/Under count in the 10 games played last month.

Prediction: Over 223 (-110)

Best bet

Harden makes his Philly debut tonight after playing his first two games as a Sixer on the road. 

While his scoring prowess has never been challenged, Harden’s abilities as a playmaker have really come to the surface the past two games, with assist totals of 12 and 16 in his first two outings in blue and red. 

In past stops in Houston and Brooklyn (especially with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving absent most nights), he’s had to shoulder the scoring load. But Harden has plenty of other options to work off of and find for easy buckets. Philadelphia’s assist percentage has been off the charts in wins over Minnesota and New York (72.5%) versus 58.5% (22nd) before the trade.  

The 76ers have had practice time since Sunday to smooth out any rough edges in this new-look attack, and Harden will want to win over the always-fickle Philly fans by getting the entire team involved. 

His assist total is as high as 11.5 at some shops, so jump on the Over 10.5 early which is priced at -120 at BetMGM books but as high as -135 at other shops.

Pick: James Harden Over 10.5 assists (-120)

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