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The New York Knicks had a great year, winning 50 games, grabbing the Eastern Conference’s second seed, and even defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in three of four meetings.
But there’s one major caveat. Joel Embiid played in just one of those four games.
A healthy Embiid solves the Sixers’ issues entering Game 1 of the postseason on Saturday at the Garden.
He averages double-digit rebounds per game and is a free-throw merchant, part of the reason he averages over 30 points per game.
He’s a perennial MVP candidate for a reason.
Additionally, Embiid lives at the rim, where the Knicks are most vulnerable defensively.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on April 14, 2024 in New York City. Getty ImagesThough the Sixers rank top-10 in the NBA in at-the-rim shot frequency (36 percent), the Knicks rank 19th in at-the-rim points per possession allowed (1.23).
The Knicks score primarily in isolation through off-the-dribble 3-point attempts.
But the Sixers lead the NBA in isolation PPP allowed (.90) and off-the-dribble 3-point PPP allowed (1.03).
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This is a great matchup for the Sixers, just as long as Embiid is healthy.
I believe he’s finally healthy, so I’ll be betting on Philadelphia in the first round.
The play: 76ers +2.5 (FanDuel Sportsbook).
