The NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals roll on Wednesday night with the New York Knicks hosting the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks took a 1-0 series lead in Game 1 with a dominant 39-point win behind Jalen Brunson’s stellar shooting performance, as he scored 35 points while shooting 66.7% from the field.
In fact, the Knicks shot 63% from the field in Game 1, including 51% from three-point range. The 76ers, meanwhile, did not enjoy the same success offensively, particularly from their star players.
While Paul George delivered a solid shooting performance in his 26 minutes on the floor, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were non-factors offensively. Embiid and Maxey each made just three field goals and combined for 27 points, fewer than Brunson scored on his own for New York. To make matters worse for the Sixers, Embiid has officially been ruled out for Game 2 with ankle and hip injuries.
If the Sixers want to even the series before heading home to Xfinity Mobile Arena, they’ll need to be much more efficient offensively on Wednesday night. Philadelphia must also do a better job of taking care of the ball after committing 19 turnovers in Game 1, with Maxey leading the team with four.
76ers vs. Knicks Game 2 Info
- 📍 Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 6
- ⏰ Start Time: 7:00 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: ESPN
- 🏀 Series: 1-0 Knicks
76ers vs. Knicks Game 2 Odds
After a dominant Game 1 win, the Knicks enter as significant favorites at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for Game 2:
- Moneyline: Knicks -450, 76ers +325
- Spread: Knicks -10.5 (-110), 76ers +10.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 214.5 points (-115), Under 214.5 points (-105)
It’s worth noting that the Sixers were blown out by 32 points on the road in Game 1 against Boston in the previous round and responded with a win in Game 2 to even the series. Philadelphia eventually defeated the Celtics in seven games to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks.
76ers vs. Knicks Picks & Predictions for Game 2
With a heated rivalry and two historic franchises facing off, the 76ers-Knicks matchup is drawing plenty of attention. Check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for trends on both teams and individual players to help make more informed wagers on Game 2. Below are three interesting trends for Wednesday night’s matchup:
Paul George Threes Made Odds
The Sixers need a win to get back on track and turn this into a competitive series, so their star players must step up in Game 2, especially without Embiid. Paul George was one of the few bright spots for Philadelphia in the blowout loss in Game 1 and has been hot from beyond the arc recently.
Not only has George hit Over 2.5 three-pointers in each of his last five games, but the veteran is also riding a six-game streak of knocking down at least three threes. He made four three-pointers in Game 1 against the Knicks, and Philadelphia will need a similar performance in Game 2.
- 76ers vs. Knicks Player Prop Pick: Paul George Over 2.5 Threes Made (-140)
Josh Hart Steals + Blocks Odds
Josh Hart averaged 1.1 steals per game for the Knicks during the regular season. For reference, the league leaders averaged two steals per game.
Hart averaged just 0.3 blocks per game during the regular season, but combined with his steals, he averaged 1.4 steals plus blocks per game.
So far in the playoffs, Hart is averaging 1.6 steals and 0.1 blocks per game, putting him above the 1.5 mark. In Game 1 against the Sixers, he recorded three steals and one block.
If you’re confident in Hart’s steals production alone, you can take Over 1.5 steals at +165 odds. Or, you can play it a bit safer by combining steals and blocks, which is still plus money at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.
- 76ers vs. Knicks Player Prop Pick: Josh Hart Over 1.5 Steals + Blocks (+105)
Jalen Brunson Points Streak
Jalen Brunson scored 35 points in Game 1 against the Sixers at Madison Square Garden. He has now scored 28 or more points in five straight home games.
Brunson averaged 27 points per game at home during the regular season and is averaging 32.8 points per game at MSG during this year’s playoffs. While his points Over is not plus money for Game 2, Brunson Over 26.5 points remains an intriguing trend-based play.
- 76ers vs. Knicks Player Prop Pick: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 Points (-105)
76ers-Knicks Key Injuries & Availability
The 76ers will be without star center Joel Embiid for Game 2, while the Knicks enter with a clean injury report. Be sure to monitor both teams’ statuses, as late changes can quickly impact basketball betting markets.
76ers Injury Report
- Joel Embiid: OUT (ankle, hip)
Knicks Injury Report
- N/A
More Ways to Bet
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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