Knicks vs. 76ers Game Six Prediction: Can NY Force Game Seven?

The New York Knicks are going on the road to face the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Six of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night.

The Knicks appeared to be headed to the second round until they threw away a six-point lead with less than 30 seconds left and then fell in overtime. They packed out the Wells Fargo Center and won a pivotal Game Four in Philadelphia but must do the same again to avoid Game Seven.

The Sixers were dead in the water until Tyrese Maxey saved them with seven points in the final 28.1 seconds, part of his 46 for the game. Joel Embiid was mostly awful in Game Five and needs to return to his usual self if Philly is to withstand the unrelenting aggression of New York.

Here, we will go over the betting odds and share our favorite pick for Knicks vs. 76ers Game Six.

Knicks vs. 76ers Game Six Betting Odds for Thursday, May 2

The Knicks are 45-39-3 (53.6 percent) against the spread and 12-13-1 (48 percent) ATS as a road underdog. They’re 2-3 ATS in the series and 5-4 against Philly across all regular and postseason matchups.

The Sixers are 51-37 (58 percent) ATS, the third-best mark in basketball, and 22-13 (64.9 percent) ATS as a home favorite. They were favored by five and 5.5 points in Games Three and Four (both at home) and went 1-1 both ATS and straight-up.

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Knicks vs. 76ers Game Six Prediction

New York Knicks Preview

The Knicks are sixth in offensive efficiency and 12th in defensive efficiency, leaving them with the ninth-best net rating (-0.9) amongst playoff teams. But despite that, they feel like a much larger force and lead the series 3-2.

New York’s trademark brand of physicality, aggression, and relentlessness would break any team that lacked mental fortitude. They rank first in blocked shots and second in offensive rebounds per game during the postseason and are always looking to create second-chance opportunities or cheap baskets whenever they can.

New York’s three-point shooting has been about average at 35.4 percent for the postseason. They don’t have many high-efficiency, high-volume shooters aside from Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo, both of whom are shooting 30 percent or worse from range.

The team as a whole did a nice job guarding Embiid thus far. Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa, and OG Anunoby all took turns dealing with the reigning MVP and mostly did so successfully, despite him averaging nearly 32 points per game in the series.

The Knicks would have this series wrapped up if it weren’t for Maxey’s unprecedented heroics. They need to continue to attack the Sixers on the glass and take advantage of Embiid’s limited mobility while also hitting timely shots.

Bet on New York Knicks at BetMGM  

Philadelphia 76ers Preview

Past iterations of the 76ers were accused of being soft—their ability to battle back and win Game Five against all odds proves that even if they lose this series, that is not the case.

The Sixers played well on offense but haven’t offered a ton on defense. A major reason for that is their interior defense isn’t the same with a compromised Embiid, who essentially cannot jump to block or contest lots of shots.

Philly’s perimeter defense has been solid, particularly on Brunson. Even though he averaged 34.4 points, he shot just 41.9 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from three-point territory. 

Tyrese Maxey was the hero of Game Five. He played all but one minute of regulation and overtime and wound up with 46 points and nine assists on ultra-efficient shooting splits to extend the series an extra game.

Embiid, on the other hand, was very poor, particularly late in the fourth quarter. He had a 19/16/10 triple-double but also registered nine turnovers and was a hindrance in key moments (though he played well in overtime).

The Sixers weren’t a great defensive-rebounding team during the regular season and have been punished in this series. They’re 13th in rebound rate and allowed the Knicks to rank first in second-chance points.

Bet on Philadelphia 76ers at BetMGM  

Knicks vs. 76ers Game Six Betting Pick

The Knicks and Sixers split when they played in Philly in Games Three and Four. A catalyst for NY’s Game Four win was its fan turnout on the road, but Michael Rubin and Sixers ownership purchased 2,000 tickets to ensure the visiting fans don’t take over the arena again.

Philly has two of the best three players in the series and is coming off a momentum-shifting win, but the Knicks have been the better team and are both fearless and relentless, making this the most difficult game to call of the First Round.

We ultimately like the 76ers to carry their momentum into Game Six and force a Game Seven with a win. We wouldn’t lay the points, however, as we expect this to come down to the wire.

Knicks vs. 76ers pick: 76ers Moneyline (-150) at BetMGM

How to Watch Knicks vs. 76ers Game Six

• When: Thursday, May 2 @ 9:00 p.m. ET

• Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

• TV: TNT

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