Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Prediction, Odds and NBA Playoffs Game 1 Picks for Today, 05/04/26

The 76ers won’t have too much time to celebrate their comeback win over the Celtics, as Round 2 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs begins on Monday at Madison Square Garden. Playing the Knicks will be a completely different challenge than it was playing the Celtics, but it’s one that the 76ers will embrace with open arms. Just like with Boston, there is unfinished business between these two sides, as the Knicks eliminated Philly in the first round 2 seasons ago. The core of both teams has remained intact since, so it adds another element into what is a storied rivalry. Game 1 will be a feel out game for both teams. Oddly enough, all 4 regular season games were won by the road team, so despite being 7.5-point dogs in the opener, the Sixers will like their chances.

Meanwhile, the Knicks had a couple days to rest and prepare for this series, as they were the only team to advance in the East without having to play a Game 7. Beating the Hawks by double digits in 3 straight games, including the 51-point drubbing in Game 6, will have the Knicks brimming with confidence as they continue their quest of returning to the Eastern Conference Finals. Head coach Mike Brown has to feel good after seeing how Karl-Anthony Towns played against Atlanta; he took full advantage of his size down low and notched a pair of triple-doubles along the way. Mikal Bridges also silenced his critics by scoring 24 points after a sub-par opening to the series. Expectations are high in Knicks land ahead of the start of this series.

We did not see all that much defense in the 4 regular season meetings between these teams, as the projected total of 212 points was surpassed in all 4 games. This being the postseason, the pace of play should go down a bit and the defenses will tighten up, but I still feel like that number is a tad too low considering the offensive talent on both rosters. There could also be some tired legs out there on Philly’s roster after their grueling series with the Celtics, which could lead to a more open game to start this series. I’m backing the over.

76ers vs Knicks Game 1 prediction: Over 212 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 213.5.

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