The 2026-27 NBA season gets underway as the second game features Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers facing Jalen Brunson and the reigning champion New York Knicks on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET. It is time to continue the NBA odds series with a 76ers-Knicks prediction and pick.
Philadelphia went 45-37 overall and 9-7 in Atlantic Division action during the 2025-26 season. They finished seventh in the Eastern Conference standings as they came back from a 3-1 series deficit to stun the Boston Celtics in seven games during the first round. However, their playoff run came to an end after losing to the Knicks in a four-game sweep during the semifinals.
New York went 53-29 overall, 14-3 in Atlantic Division action and 30-10 at home last season. Finishing third in the East standings, they beat the Atlanta Hawks in six games then swept the 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the next two rounds to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. There, they beat Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win the championship for the first since 1973, ending a long drought of over five decades.
Philadelphia and New York had four regular-season contests against each other last season. Both sides got two wins each, seeing the 76ers win on Dec. 19 (116-107) and Jan. 3 (130-119) before New York got its contests on Jan. 24 (112-109) and Feb. 11 (138-89).
76ers vs. Knicks Odds
76ers: +4.5 (-110)
Knicks: -4.5 (-110)
Over: 232 (-110)
Under: 232 (-110)
76ers vs. Knicks Key Injuries
76ers- F Dean Wade (GTD), C Adem Bona (GTD), G Anfernee Simons (GTD), C Tacko Fall (Out), F Dominick Barlow (Out), C Ariel Hukporti (Out)
Knicks- No injuries
76ers vs. Knicks Betting Trends
- Knicks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games as a favorite.
Keys to 76ers vs. Knicks matchup
The Philadelphia 76ers positioned themselves as a fierce contender in the Eastern Conference. They bolstered the roster with splashes, landing Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics while signing LeBron James in free agency.
This significantly stacks Philadelphia's core that is loaded with stars. Brown and James enter the starting five featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Philadelphia also signed Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade, bolstering the second unit as the squad looks to make serious noise as a title contender.
The Knicks look forward to raising their third championship banner in franchise history at Madison Square Garden. The 2026 squad cemented itself in history forever thanks to the remarkable efforts of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson among others. New York's community will make sure to commemorate that championship with sincere pride and appreciation for that title run.
The squad has the benefit of keeping almost everyone. Robinson departed this offseason for the Boston Celtics, while Ariel Hukporti went to the Philadelphia 76ers. New York made up for its absence by signing Andre Drummond and James Wiseman to fill the hole at the center position. They have a tough path when it comes to defending their title as the East strengthened overall, but they still boast plenty of talent to be among the top squads in the conference.
Article Continues BelowLeBron James begins the 24th season of his career, his first with the 76ers. He looks to compete for his fifth championship while teaming up with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Ball usage will fluctuate between the star core from game to game, but it is clear that Philadelphia's attack will rely on them to produce in significant fashion.
Last season saw Philadelphia rank 14th in points per game with 115.9 points, 19th in points allowed per game (116.1), 17th in offensive rating (115.4), and 16th in defensive rating (115.5). They were also sixth in free throws made per game (20.1), sixth in steals per game (9.1), and fourth in blocks per game (5.7).
Jalen Brunson looks to make a serious case for MVP after an incredible campaign last season, earning All-NBA honors last season as well as NBA Finals MVP upon winning the championship. Karl-Anthony Towns seeks a major contract extension by having strong performances this season, while OG Anunoby and Josh Hart assert themselves with big displays on both sides of the ball. Also keep an eye on Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek and Landry Shamet to make key impacts off the bench.
Last season, New York ranked 10th in points per game with 116.5 points, fifth in points allowed per game (110.1), third in offensive rating (119.8), and seventh in defensive rating (113.3). They were also 10th in 3-pointers made per game (14.2), fourth in 3-point field-goal percentage (37.3%), seventh in rebounds per game (45.6).
76ers vs. Knicks Prediction and Pick
This matchup between the 76ers and the Knicks stands out as an intriguing matchup. New York's attack will continue to have its dynamic under head coach Mike Brown, seeing Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns organize the offense on the court. As for Philadelphia, they will show flashes of its potential with its star-studded lineup. However, it will take time for them to truly flourish with the star core of Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. The Knicks get the win in this one and covers, while the under also hits.
Final 76ers vs. Knicks Prediction and Pick: Knicks -4.5 (-110) and under 232 (-110)