The Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks series will be one of two Eastern Conference semifinal matchups in this year’s playoffs. The Sixers are looking to make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, while the Knicks have their sights set on a second straight conference final appearance.
The Sixers are coming off a dramatic Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics, who seemed poised to advance to the next round after going up 3-1. Meanwhile, the Knicks fell 1-2 to the Atlanta Hawks but won three consecutive games to eliminate the sixth seed.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Head-to-Head
The Sixers and the Knicks have squared off in nine playoff series. Their first playoff matchup was back in 1950, when the Sixers were known as the Syracuse Nationals. Led by double-double machine Dolph Schayes, the Nationals defeated the Knicks 2-1 in the East Division Finals that year.
As the years passed, the Nationals would relocate to Philadelphia and cross paths with the Knicks again in the postseason. All in all, the Sixers hold a 5-4 lead in terms of series victories against the Knicks. However, the last time that these two met each other in the playoffs, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart were leading New York to a first-round conquest of the Joel Embiid-led Sixers in 2024.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks: Key Questions
76ers question mark
Can the Sixers limit the Knicks’ efficiency on offense? Thus far in the playoffs, the Knicks have been a well-oiled machine, ranking first in field goal shooting and second in offensive rating. With Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns proficiently torching the nets, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse will have to roll up his sleeves and draw up an airtight defensive plan.
Knicks question mark
Can the Knicks keep the Sixers off the free throw line? New York has been a top-3 defense this postseason, but there are times when Mike Brown’s crew overindulges when they try to lock up their opponents. If the Knicks aren’t disciplined enough in terms of controlling their fouls, the Sixers will make them pay, as Philadelphia is one of only three teams to shoot at least 81% from the charity stripe in these playoffs.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Prediction
In the regular season, the Sixers and the Knicks split their season series 2-2. On paper, these two teams match up well, but this second round matchup could come down to Joel Embiid’s health. In Game 7 of the Sixers-Celtics series, Tyrese Maxey collided with Embiid’s left knee, causing the big man to hobble around for a while.
It’s likely that the Sixers and the Knicks will go the distance as well, and it might very well be New York capitalizing on Embiid’s compromised health to take the series
Prediction: New York Knicks in seven games
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks: Schedule and Where to Watch
Here is the schedule of the upcoming Sixers-Knicks series, along with its broadcast details.
GAME 1: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)
- Date: May 4
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: NBC, Peacock/DIRECTV
GAME 2: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)
- Date: May 6
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: ESPN, ESPN app/DIRECTV
GAME 3: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena)
- Date: May 8
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: Prime Video
GAME 4: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena)
- Date: May 10
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: ABC, ESPN app/DIRECTV
GAME 5: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)*
- Date: May 12
- Time: TBA
- Broadcast: TBA
GAME 6: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena)*
- Date: May 14
- Time: TBA
- Broadcast: TBA
GAME 7: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)*
- Date: May 17
- Time: TBA
- Broadcast: TBA
* if necessary
