The Philadelphia 76ers were able to push past the Miami Heat on Wednesday to cement their spot in the NBA postseason. They know have a date with the New York Knicks on Saturday night in the first of a seven-game series, and will look to keep the good vibes rolling. The Sixers might be the hottest team in the NBA, but Vegas is still listing them as slight underdogs for the opening matchup.
NBA Playoff odds: 76ers vs Knicks
Spread: Philadelphia 76ers +2.5 | New York Knicks -2.5
Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers +114 | New York Knicks -135
Total: Over/Under 207
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The Philadelphia 76ers open up as +2.5 point underdogs for their opening contest against the New York Knicks on Saturday. Granted, the game will take place at Madison Square Garden, but it’s really hard to look past a Philadelphia side that’s only gaining in both confidence and momentum.
The Sixers are riding a nine-game win streak into the postseason having come off a gutsy win over the Heat. Joel Embiid is firing on all cylinders and the performances off the bench have been nothing short of exceptional in recent weeks, with key role players coming up big time and time again. The starting 5 really beginning to find its footing with Joel back in the lineup, and the team looks ready to take on anybody.
As for the Knicks, they ended the season 2nd in the Eastern Conference and riding a 5-game winning streak. Their roster is stacked with young talents like Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Their ability to completely shutdown opposing offenses has to be admired and Joel Embiid will have his work cut out for him.
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In terms of the actual rivalry, the 76ers have dropped 3 of their last 4 to the Knicks, but this is a vert different team now that Embiid is back. Overall, the Sixers lead the Knicks 264-208 in terms of wins and will be looking to get at least 4 more in this series.
NBA Playoff odds: Why you should back Philadelphia
The 76ers are white-hot at the moment. There’s a new wave of confidence swimming through the City of Brotherly Love, and Philadelphia is playing some of its best basketball right now. Nick Nurse has a proven track record in the playoffs and this new-look Sixers outfit is already shutting down many of the previous criticisms that plagued it in the past.
The time for excuses is now over and the Sixers have both the talent and the postseason experience to grind out a series against one of the Eastern Conference juggernauts of this past season – a tag that felt fit for Philly prior to Embiid’s injury, and one they’ll be hungry to reclaim.
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AP Photo/Chris Szagola
