76ers vs. Knicks NBA Prediction
The 76ers look to improve their record to 2-0 to start the season when they visit the Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night. Are the Sixers worth a play as an 8.5-point road favorite or is there a better option on the board?
Game Snapshot
509 Philadelphia 76ers (-8.5) at 510 New York Knicks (+8.5); o/u 217.5
7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, December 26, 2020
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: NBATV
Philadelphia 76ers DFS Spin
Joel Embiid racked up 29 points and 14 rebounds in Wednesday’s season-opening win vs. the Wizards, adding two assists and one block in 35 minutes. Embiid fell into the trap of launching unnecessary 3-pointers last season, but was judicious tonight with a 1-of-1 mark behind the arc. Doc Rivers has alluded to the need to keep Embiid healthy throughout the season, but he hasn’t explicitly said if or when Embiid will be rested, so that’s something to watch for. In the meantime, just enjoy elite fantasy production from one of the game’s most dominant talents. And at least for one night, Philly didn’t seem worried about overdoing his workload.
New York Knicks DFS Spin
Austin Rivers (sore right groin) was able to do a little bit more during Thursday’s practice, but the team is still being careful with him according to coach Tom Thibodeau. “When he’s ready to go he’ll be ready to go,” Thibodeau, who was noncommittal when asked about a return timetable for Rivers, said. With rookie Immanuel Quickley sidelined due to a left hip pointer, the Knicks are even shorter on quality ball-handlers than they already were. Either Frank Ntilikina or Dennis Smith Jr. will be moved into the backup point guard role for the time being, and Quickley’s absence could also mean more reps for RJ Barrett as the team’s primary playmaker.
76ers vs. Knicks Betting Prediction
The Sixers have struggled to cover in New York, where they’re just 1-4 against the spread against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. They’re also just 1-4 against the number in their last five games dating back to last season, are 3-14-1 at the betting window in their last 18 games as a road favorite and are winless against the number in their last four games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. On the other side, the Knicks are 4-1 against the spread I their last five home games, are 5-1 against the number in their last six games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game and are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games versus a team with a winning record.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: NEW YORK KNICKS +8.5