New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Eastern Conference Semifinals Preview: Can the Knicks Look to Halt the 76ers’ Cinderella Run?
The New York Knicks return to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with momentum and confidence, preparing to face the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks advanced after a decisive six-game victory over the Atlanta Hawks, punctuated by a historic 140-89 closeout performance. The 76ers, meanwhile, enter the series following a dramatic Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics, completing a rare comeback after trailing 3-1.
During the 2025-26 regular season, the Knicks and 76ers split their four-game series 2-2, with the road team winning each matchup. Historically, the franchises have met 480 times, with Philadelphia holding a 266-214 advantage.
Team Forms and Recent Performances
New York enters the semifinals in strong form, riding a three-game winning streak and showcasing elite two-way play. The Knicks finished the regular season 53-29, securing the number three seed, and are averaging 117.8 points per game in the postseason, the second-highest mark in the league. Their 47-point halftime lead in Game 6 against Atlanta set an NBA playoff record. Across their last 10 games, including the end of the regular season, the Knicks have won seven.
The 76ers’ path to the semifinals has been defined by resilience. Despite suffering multiple 30-point losses in the first round, the 76ers became the first team in decades to overcome such deficits and still advance. Tyrese Maxey led the team with 26.3 points per game, while Joel Embiid contributed 21.9 points and 7.3 assists despite returning from an emergency appendectomy only weeks earlier.
After allowing 128 points in Game 4, Philadelphia tightened its defense, holding Boston to just 96.7 points per game over the final three contests. The 76ers also carry a three-game winning streak into Game 1. Embiid is listed as probable as he continues to manage fatigue and lingering health concerns.
Key Players to Watch
New York Knicks
Guard Jalen Brunson remains the focal point of the Knicks’ offense, averaging 28.2 points per game in the first round, including a 39-point performance in Game 5. Center Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as a versatile facilitator, recording two triple-doubles against the Hawks and averaging 11.4 rebounds per game.
Forward OG Anunoby continues to anchor New York’s two-way identity. His 29-point, 79% shooting performance in Game 6 highlighted his efficiency and defensive impact. Forward Josh Hart provides essential rebounding and connective play, averaging 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the postseason.
Forward Mikal Bridges aims to regain consistent scoring after a quieter first round, though his 24-point showing in the closeout game suggests an upward trend. Guard Mile McBride has been a major bench contributor; New York outscored Atlanta by 29 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. Additional depth pieces include Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, and Mitchell Robinson. Jeremy Sochan is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers’ success hinges on the health of Embiid and the explosiveness of their backcourt. Embiid’s interior presence and playmaking remain central to the 76ers’ offense, while Maxey’s speed and transition scoring pose a significant challenge for New York’s perimeter defense. Rookie Guard VJ Edgecombe has emerged as a key contributor, highlighted by a 30-point performance in the first round.
Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. adds scoring versatility and defensive length, averaging 14 points per game. Former Knicks Forward Quentin Grimes has become a reliable 3-and-D option since arriving at the trade deadline, providing strong perimeter defense against the Celtics’ wings. Forward Paul George, averaging 17.3 points and 1.7 steals, continues to serve as a stabilizing presence and secondary playmaker.
Brunson and Towns vs. Maxey and Embiid
This series features two elite duos whose contrasting styles will shape the matchup. Brunson and Maxey represent the top point guards in the Eastern Conference, though they excel in different ways. Brunson relies on strength, footwork, and mid-range craft, averaging 35.5 points across his last six playoff games against Maxey. Maxey, by contrast, thrives in transition and scored 26 points in a pivotal Game 5 against Boston.
The Towns-Embiid matchup presents a clash of styles. Towns’ perimeter shooting (44% from beyond the arc) forces Embiid to defend away from the basket, creating driving lanes for New York’s guards. Embiid, however, remains one of the league’s most dominant interior forces. In a regular-season meeting, he drew enough fouls to send Towns to the bench after only 16 minutes of play.
While Philadelphia relies heavily on its starters for scoring, the Knicks leverage their star duo to generate efficient opportunities for wings such as Anunoby and Bridges.
Series Outlook
Analysts from ESPN and NBC Sports generally favor the Knicks, citing their depth, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Philadelphia’s advantage lies in its top-end star power. If Embiid remains healthy and Maxey sustains his scoring pace, the 76ers possess the talent to challenge expectations, as demonstrated in their upset over the Celtics.
The regular-season trend of road victories adds intrigue, particularly for Game 2. New York is expected to deploy Anunoby and Bridges on Maxey to disrupt his rhythm. Towns will begin on Embiid, though the Knicks will likely send double-teams to force the ball out of his hands. Grimes’ defense on Brunson will be another key factor.
New York led the NBA in offensive rebound percentage, and second-chance opportunities generated by Hart and Robinson could prove decisive. Philadelphia depends on Embiid’s gravity to create open looks for shooters such as Grimes and Edgecombe. If those shots do not fall, the Knicks’ defense will collapse the paint.
What To Expect In Game 1
Game 1 tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. The matchup is expected to be physically and defensively intense, with the Knicks’ depth, rest, and home-court energy likely contributing to a strong start. A competitive first half is anticipated, with the Knicks positioned to pull ahead late in the third quarter.
