Update: Hopefully, you got the extra points with the 76ers earlier in the day. Both Embiid and Maxey are playing and starting, and the line has moved to Knicks -4.5. The total is 206. I’ll still take Philadelphia as the ATS pick and the over on the total.
The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks meet for Game 2 Monday, after the home side took a 1-0 lead in the series Saturday in a thrilling contest. The 76ers and Knicks both saw their stars struggle in the opener but New York’s three-point shooting was ultimately the difference in 111-104 victory. The 76ers had a bit of a scare with Joel Embiid going to the locker room, though the reigning league MVP would return to the floor and eventually play 37 minutes.
Embiid continues to be listed as questionable as if he was in doubt to play. Tyrese Maxey was added to the injury report as questionable due to an illness, so his status is worth monitoring. The Knicks are clean on the day-to-day injury front.
New York is a 6-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook with the total coming in at 206.5. The Knicks are -230 on the moneyline while the 76ers are +190.
76ers vs. Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: 76ers +6
Maxey might be a little fatigued after playing 44 minutes in Game 1 but I expect him to suit up in this contest with the 76ers staring at a potential 2-0 deficit. Embiid and Jalen Brunson did not have great games to start this series, and both should be able to bounce back. The Knicks had the edge from the perimeter which ultimately was the difference in the contest but New York’s dominance on the glass was also surprising. I expect 76ers head coach Nick Nurse to challenge his players to be more physical and aggressive on the boards.
Philadelphia went 19-16 ATS after a loss, although those numbers are somewhat clouded because Embiid missed a lot of time. The Knicks were 24-25-1 ATS after a win. As long as Maxey does suit up, I think the 76ers are able to get a better showing from Embiid and keep this game close. Give me Philadelphia to cover.
Over/Under: Over 206.5
The 76ers were 45-39 to the over on the season while the Knicks were 38-45 to the over. The first game went over this mark despite poor shooting efforts from Embiid and Brunson, thanks to strong perimeter shooting from both sides. I do believe we see more efficient showings from the stars in this game and I do think Maxey plays, which will lead to the over hitting in Game 2.