76ers vs Knicks Predictions, Picks & Odds - Game 2

Game 1 of the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks was perhaps the most entertaining matchup on Saturday’s slate of NBA playoff games, with both teams throwing body blows until New York ultimately pulled away late. 

Joel Embiid’s health remains a huge factor when considering tonight's Game 2 NBA odds, as are the inevitable adjustments after Saturday’s defensive chess match.

My NBA picks and 76ers vs. Knicks predictions for Game 2 expect Jalen Brunson to have a bounce-back performance after an uncharacteristically unproductive Game 1.

76ers vs Knicks predictions

My best bet
Jalen Brunson Over 30.5 points (-120 at bet365)

Best odds available in your region

My analysis

Game 1 of a playoff series is like the opening round of a boxing match. While there's occasionally an early knockout blow, the fighters mostly feel each other out and set the table for what comes next.

Now the real chess match begins as both teams adjust to the jabs and feints thrown out in the initial clash.

The Philadelphia 76ers made clear from the jump that slowing down Jalen Brunson was the key to stopping the New York Knicks. They outright ignored other key players, including Josh Hart, to gum up the works on Brunson’s drives.

They put length on him all game, with Kelly Oubre doing an outstanding job of hounding him. By cheating off Hart all night, they surrounded Brunson from the front and back, limiting his ability to pivot and maneuver in the paint.

The Knicks were initially caught off guard and it hurt Brunson’s rhythm as he finished with just 22 points on 26 shots, going 1-for-6 from downtown. 

But it’s the 26 shots and not the eight makes that should prove the more representative part of the sample. The Knicks need him to score at a high volume to have a chance in the series. Brunson is not going to tone down his shot attempts under virtually any circumstance.

The 76ers had a solid Game plan, but Brunson also just missed a ton of shots that he normally makes. His threes were mostly good looks, and he’s been a 40% shooter from downtown this season. 

Brunson only had five games out of his 77 played this season with a lower true shooting percentage. He’s consistently beaten better defenses and better defenders.

Critically, the fourth quarter saw tactical changes that should carry over to Game 2. The Knicks began to shift their alignments in ball screen action so cheating off Hart led to open shots for other Knicks players, including OG Anunoby. 

Unlike open shots for Hart, those are not shots the 76ers defense can live with. Even though Hart made them pay on Saturday, OG is one of the NBA’s most reliable shooters. That will cause Nick Nurse to adjust again, but it’s difficult to see how such an adjustment won’t allow Brunson to spring free more often.

Moreover, the 76ers were in a deeper drop when Joel Embiid returned from his scary fall in the first half. That drop is something that Brunson can carve up, and if Embiid isn’t physically able to get out on the floor at the same level Brunson is going to get to his sweet spot in the middle of the floor and score.

The Knicks also did a better job of hitting Brunson on the move as the game went on, punishing Oubre and Nic Batum for face-guarding him. 

While he struggled in Game 1, I believe these Jalen Brunson odds will look far too low in retrospect once all is said and done on Monday night.

76ers vs Knicks same-game parlay (SGP)

One thing that became clear in Game 1 is that Miles McBride will have a prominent role in this series. McBride ultimately proved to be the best defender against Tyrese Maxey and “Deuce” also provided serious punch from behind the arc in turn going 5 of 7 on some aggressive attempts. He should get similar looks in Game 2.

Hart will also be key. In addition to the three triples he made to swing the game in the fourth quarter, he dominated on the offensive glass and got to the line 10 times. Hart drew a lot of those fouls by grabbing and going off a defensive rebound and attacking the 76ers who matched up poorly in transition.

If Embiid is suffering lingering effects from his ill-fated attempt at a self-alley-oop dunk in the second quarter, Philadelphia is going to be even more vulnerable to Hart’s relentless pace.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

76ers vs Knicks odds

76ers vs Knicks live odds

76ers vs Knicks opening odds

• Spread: Philadelphia +4.5 (-110) | New York -4.4 (-110)
• Moneyline: Philadelphia +160 | New York -190
• Over/Under: Over 209.5 (-110) | Under 209.5 (-110)

76ers vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis

• The Knicks opened between -4.5 and -5.5 point favorites.
• New York is 18-13 ATS as home favorites this season.
• The total for Game 2 opened at 209.5 and that’s mostly where it stands on Monday.

76ers vs Knicks trend

The Under is 26-16 in Knicks home games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Knicks.

76ers vs Knicks game info

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