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The Eastern Conference Semifinals are here, and the New York Knicks (53-29) will host the Philadelphia 76ers (45-37) tonight at Madison Square Garden in what should be one of the most electric atmospheres of the second round. These two rivals last met in the playoffs back in 2024, when New York won a dramatic first round series in six games before falling to the Indiana Pacers in the following round.

The Knicks recently wrapped up their opening playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks in six games as well, capped by a historic 51-point blowout in Game 6, and have had the luxury of extra rest while waiting for their next opponent. Philadelphia, on the other hand, just completed one of the most memorable first round upsets in recent memory, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Boston Celtics in seven games. The Sixers showed incredible resilience to complete the improbable comeback, but the physical and emotional toll of a seven-game war against Boston looms large heading into tonight.

The regular season series was split 2-2 with a unique twist, as neither team won a game at home. VJ Edgecombe, the rookie sensation who earned third place Rookie of the Year honors, was outstanding in the Sixers’ two wins at the Garden. Joel Embiid, who returned from a late-season appendectomy to dominate in the Boston series, is listed as probable tonight with a sore hip. He averaged 32 points, 10.5 rebounds, and five assists in two meetings with the Knicks this season and remains the biggest X-factor on Philadelphia’s roster. On the other side, Jalen Brunson – who has made MSG his personal stage over the past four seasons – thrives in exactly this kind of spotlight.

76ers vs. Knicks Game 1: Where, When & How To Watch

  • 📍 Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
  • đź“… Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
  • ⏰ Tip-Off: 8:00 PM ET
  • 📺 TV/Streaming: NBC / Peacock

76ers vs. Knicks Latest Odds

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook has the Knicks installed as a sizable home favorite for tonight’s series opener:

  • Moneyline: Knicks (-300), 76ers (+225)
  • Spread: Knicks -7.5 (-105), 76ers +7.5 (-115)
  • Total: Over 212.5 (-110), Under 212.5 (-110)

76ers vs. Knicks Game 1 Betting Splits

Here’s how players at Hard Rock Bet are wagering on Game 1:

  • Moneyline: Despite being considerable underdogs, the 76ers are drawing 72.7% of all moneyline bets and 67.6% of the handle.
  • Spread: The Knicks are the more popular side on the spread, drawing 56.8% of all bets, but the handle gap is even wider – 68.4% of the money is on New York -7.5.
  • Total: The Over 212.5 is running away with the action on the total, pulling in 84.3% of all tickets and 87.4% of the handle.

Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for PHI-NYK Game 1

The prop market for Game 1 is gravitating toward Philly’s young star guards and one of the Knicks’ grittiest role players. Here are the five most-bet player props by total ticket count at Hard Rock Bet:

  1. Tyrese Maxey – Over 24.5 Points
  2. VJ Edgecombe – Over 12.5 Points
  3. Josh Hart – Over 7.5 Rebounds
  4. Josh Hart – Over 12.5 Assists + Rebounds
  5. Paul George – Over 14.5 Points

Best Bet for 76ers vs. Knicks Game 1

OG Anunoby Over 6.5 Rebounds (+105): OG has cleared this number in six consecutive games, grabbing 7, 8, 9, 10, 10, and 7 rebounds respectively in each of New York’s six first round games against Atlanta. Now facing off against a 76ers team that should be battling fatigue after their seven-game series with the Celtics, Anunoby’s length and activity on the glass should continue at a high level.

Find more trends, streaks, and countless other valuable data to help you make your picks over at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook’s Stats Hub.

OG Stats Hub

Referenced odds are subject to change.

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Michael Sciangula

Michael Sciangula is a New Jersey-based sports betting and online casino writer. He has contributed iGaming content to several publications over the last half decade including the Action Network, New York Post and Philadelphia Inquirer. Contact Michael at [email protected].