Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• Philly look to get their first consecutive win of the early NBA season!
• After a strong start, the Knicks look to make up for their last loss before a two-game road trip!
• The history is bad, the Sixers have beaten the Knicks in their last 15 meetings.

Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

The Sixers are still without Ben Simmons, but it hasn’t greatly hindered their success. However, New York will be ready for the Sixers in the paint and on the perimeter, while also preparing to show off their newfound offensive prowess.

Picks:

New York Knicks def. Philadelphia 76ers (-115)

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Head-to-Head: Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks

PHI: Defend the Three-Ball

The Philadelphia 76ers have always been a solid defensive side, but they are still without their top defender in Ben Simmons. The Knicks love to play one-on-one basketball, but they’ve added a new wrinkle to their game with their three-point shooting.

Through three games the Knicks have ranked first in three-point attempts per game and three-point field goals per game. While they’re shooting a pedestrian 36.7% from three, New York’s new willingness from range could become a problem for Philly.

If the Sixers want to take down the Knicks, they need to slow be strong enough defensively to recover to New York’s shooters. They’ve always got a bailout option in Julius Randle, so the Sixers need to put out their best effort.

Sixers Key Player: (G) Seth Curry

Seth Curry just dropped 23 points in the first quarter

Man hit 6 threes ? pic.twitter.com/UWGCIBu2z3

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 24, 2021

The Sixers are off to a good start, despite the absence of Ben Simmons in the backcourt. Luckily for Doc Rivers, his son-in-law Seth Curry has stepped up and has been brilliant through three games in an expanded role.

Over his first three games, Curry has averaged 20.3 points on 68.8% shooting from the field and a scorching hot 76.5% from three. In line with his family name, he is a fantastic shooter. But he’s taken to his increased role naturally.

Curry will be coming up against the best perimeter defence he’s faced yet this season. While shooting will be his number one priority, he will need to be ready to act as a playmaker when necessary.

NYK: Control the Halfcourt

The New York Knicks are off to a good start this season. Their vaunted defence remains intact while also boasting an improved offensive game over their first three games. When they take on the Sixers, the Knicks will need to control one of the league’s most efficient offences.

New York’s defence hinges on their perimeter intensity and the ability of Randle and Robinson to rebound the ball. They won’t face a tougher interior scoring presence than Joel Embiid, and even Andre Drummond will be a force on the glass.

Controlling the drive-and-kick game of the Sixers will be key. Philly plays at a slow pace, which suits the Knicks as well. But expect New York to try and push the pace in hopes of keeping up with the Sixers’ offence.

Knicks Key Player: (G) Kemba Walker

OH YES. KEMBA WALKER BABY. pic.twitter.com/YBL6LXPJl2

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 6, 2021

If there’s a Knicks player that needs to get going, it has to be Kemba Walker. He was a big acquisition for New York this offseason, with his All-Star level play being the key to their ambitions for post-season success.

Through three games Walker has been rather subdued. He has averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 45.8% shooting from the field. For now, he is delegating to his new teammates, but the sooner he gets going the sooner the Knicks can reach their potential.

Walker will be matched up against a Sixers team that is difficult to break down. If he can get his two-man game going Randle, the Sixers could be in big trouble.

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