The NBA’s first-round postseason series are in full swing! This Eastern Conference playoff game features a matchup between the #7 Philadelphia 76ers and the #2 New York Knicks. The 76ers are one loss away from elimination and need to pull off the road upset to keep this series alive.
Before Betting on 76ers vs Knicks
The 76ers fell behind 3-1 following a 97-92 defeat in Game 4. After exploding for 50 points in their Game 3 victory, reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid struggled in Sunday’s defeat. He shot just 7-19 from the field in 44 minutes played, looking especially sluggish in the 4th quarter. Embiid’s knee has to be ailing him after another long game. He will be crucial to Philadelphia’s success in Game 5.
Tyrese Maxey, who shot 8-21 in Sunday’s loss, will be tasked with picking up some of the slack on offense if Embiid is not fully healthy. The 76ers also desperately need support from their bench and remaining starters. Kelly Oubre Jr. had the biggest impact of the other starters, scoring 19 points. Unfortunately, he has spent much of the series in foul trouble.
Meanwhile, the Knicks now have an opportunity to close the series out and advance on Tuesday. They lost Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdonavich to injuries over the weekend, but prevailed in Game 4 nonetheless. Without Julius Randle, the bulk of New York’s offensive work rests on the shoulders of Jalen Brunson, who played better on the road than at home.
After struggling mightily in the first two games of the series, Brunson came alive in Philly, scoring 86 points in Games 3 and 4. He broke the Knicks franchise record for points in a playoff game set by Bernard King at 46, totaling 47 in Game 4. If Brunson continues to play at a high level, New York will be tough to take down in a 7-game series.
76ers vs Knicks Offshore Odds
The Knicks are favored by a decent margin to win Game 5 and advance. However, the first four games of this series were brawls, making it seem unlikely this series will end so quickly. Philadelphia may be gassed and check out, but if they continue to fight back they could easily win this game and extend the series to 6 or 7 games. I’d be wary of the Knicks offense, which has struggled outside of Jalen Brunson.
