The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks resume their 2026 NBA playoffs Eastern Conference semis in Wednesday’s Game 2 at MSG. The Knicks took a 1-0 lead with a comprehensive 137-98 win in Monday’s series opener. New York had total control 1.5 quarters into the contest, building a 12-point lead halfway through the second frame.
By halftime, the home team had a 23-point lead. Jalen Brunson went nuclear, scoring 27 of his 35 points in the opening two quarters on 10 of 14 shots, including 3 of 6 from deep. The Knicks made 65.9% of their attempts in that period as a team. The Sixers shot only 40.0% in that stretch. The second half story was pretty much the same.
New York finished the contest making 63.1% of its shots, including 19 of 37 from deep. Meanwhile, the Sixers were 41.1% from the field and 11 of 30 from 3-point range. None of their players crossed the 20-point mark. Paul George came the closest with a team-high 17-point game on 6 of 11 shooting.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were massive letdowns as they combined for 27 points, Jalen Brunson’s first-half total, while shooting a measly 6 of 20. The Sixers will hope for a turnaround after coming into Game 1 fatigued following a gruelling series against the Celtics, in which they had to overturn a 3-1 deficit.
Meanwhile, the Knicks will hope to sustain their offensive display, which has been nothing short of spectacular over the past three games.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Projected Starting Lineups For Game 2
76ers
The Sixers will retain their starting lineup from Game 1. Tyrese Maxey will be at point guard with VJ Edgecombe at shooting guard. Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George and Adem Bona could form the frontcourt trio.
PG – Tyrese Maxey, SG – VJ Edgecombe, SF – Kelly Oubre Jr., PF – Paul George, C – Adem Bona
Knicks
The Knicks will stick to their usual starting lineup with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges in the backcourt. OG Anunoby will start at small forward, with Josh Hart at power forward and Karl-Anthony Towns at center.
PG – Jalen Brunson, SG – Mikal Bridges, SF – OG Anunoby, PF – Josh Hart, C – Karl-Anthony Towns
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Injury Reports For Game 2
76ers
The Sixers have listed Joel Embiid as out due to a right ankle sprain and hip injury.
Knicks
The Knicks don’t have any injuries.
Where to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Game 2?
ESPN will nationally televise Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semis between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. ESPN Unlimited will stream the contest live online in the US, while NBA League Pass will do it globally. The game will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET.
After a blowout win in Game 1, the Knicks are 7.5 favorites to win again and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
