Knicks vs 76ers Picks and Predictions: Barrett Provides Big Night For New York

As many teams are approaching the 10-game mark of the season, there have been many up-and-down teams across the association. Tonight, the Philadelphia 76ers will clash with the New York Knicks as both teams are probably not satisfied with where things are at the moment.

New York hasn't gotten the top-tier production out of its big-money players, and Philadelphia has to stay afloat without the future Hall of Fame guard James Harden. 

This divisional matchup should be fairly competitive, and with Harden out and Joel Embiid questionable, we could be in for a nice battle between Tyrese Maxey and RJ Barrett. 

Find out the best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the 76ers vs. Knicks on Friday, November 4.

Knicks vs 76ers best odds

Knicks vs 76ers picks and predictions

It hasn’t been an ideal start to the season for either team. After a hot start, the Knicks don’t appear to have any reliable options on a nightly basis. The 76ers struggled similarly in the early going, which only grows more concerning with Harden’s injury. While he's not shooting the ball particularly well, RJ Barrett remains as safe of a pick that the Knicks have to offer at this point. 

The problem with Barrett, outside his 3-point percentage (23%), which will improve, is he appears to have met his ceiling in many ways. There’s nothing to suggest he’s getting better, but that may not matter in tonight's game where he faces a 76ers' defense surrendering 23.47 points per game to opposing small forwards. 

More often than not, Barrett’s O/U for points will be about 19.5, and he’s covered that in three out of the season's first seven games. Embiid is questionable for tonight and throws a major conundrum into how this game will be played out. Barrett could blow by his O/U number if the big man isn’t available to protect the paint. Historically, the 76ers defensive rating is three points better when Embiid is on the court. 

Another factor to consider here is Matisse Thybulle’s availability. Often taking on the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best perimeter weapon, Thybulle potentially being out or not 100% could spell issues for Philadelphia in its efforts to contain Barrett.

In four games last season against the 76ers, Barrett had two games over 20 points, including a 30-point game last March. These teams know each other well, and with Philly dealing with several injuries, Barrett should be able to break through for a good outing tonight. 

My best bet: RJ Barrett Over 19.5 points (-105)

Knicks vs 76ers spread analysis

At first glance, you may wonder why the 76ers are only 3-point favorites over the Knicks. With Harden out for a month and Joel Embiid questionable to return from a non-covid illness, Philadelphia is vulnerable to an early season skid that could put it in a tough matchup against New York.

After the Knicks came out of the gates winning and scoring many points, they’ve cooled down considerably since the talent they’ve faced has elevated. With or without Embiid, they still can’t hang with the 76ers on talent alone, and that should show again tonight.

New York is a team that fundamentally makes no sense and is without a true franchise player. The Knicks are the only team in the NBA without a 20-point-per-game scorer this season. They are left on a night-to-night basis wondering if Julius Randle, who only has nine more field goals on the season than Obi Toppin (while playing 105 more minutes), can get hot.

Philly knows its identity whether Embiid, Harden, or anyone else misses a game. That level of continuity and chemistry allowed them to play near .500 basketball (10-11) last season when Embiid wasn’t available. I like Philly against the spread here.

Knicks vs 76ers Over/Under analysis

After an early season scoring output that almost seemed like a daydream, the Knicks are finally returning to reality. After averaging 123.5 points over their first four games, they averaged 105 over their last three. Wednesday’s disappointing 112-99 loss against the Atlanta Hawks was the first game they’ve scored under 100 points this season.

It’s tough to project how the 76ers will look without Harden in the lineup. As the point guard for their offense, he’s done a great job, leading the team to first in field goal and 3-point percentage. Those numbers can’t be sustainable when someone as good as Harden is out of the lineup. 

The Knicks appear to be in an early-season funk. They rank in the league's bottom half in offensive rating, field goal percentage, and 3-point percentage. New York has a lot of money invested in Julius Randle, and he is shooting a disappointing 42% from the floor. The Knicks don’t have the firepower to score big on a nightly basis. I like the Under here.

Knicks vs 76ers betting trend to know

Under is 4-0 in 76ers last 4 games following an ATS loss. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. 76ers.

Knicks vs 76ers game info

Knicks vs 76ers key injuries

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