NBA Playoffs: Philadelphia 76ers Host New York Knicks in Game 1
Sixers Heavily Favored in Eastern Conference Semifinals Matchup
The Philadelphia 76ers will look to take an early lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals when they host the New York Knicks in Game 1 on Thursday night. The Sixers are 45-point road favorites on the spread, while the total is set at over/under 200.5 total points. The Knicks are coming off a thrilling series victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, while the Sixers swept the Miami Heat. The Sixers are the top seed in the East, while the Knicks are the fourth seed.
Key Players to Watch
- Joel Embiid, Sixers: The reigning MVP is averaging 30.6 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
- James Harden, Sixers: The former MVP is averaging 21.5 points and 10.5 assists per game in the playoffs.
- R.J. Barrett, Knicks: The third-year forward is averaging 20.8 points per game in the playoffs.
- Jalen Brunson, Knicks: The point guard is averaging 23.2 points per game in the playoffs.
Prediction
The Sixers are the clear favorites in this series, and it's hard to see the Knicks pulling off the upset. The Sixers have a more talented roster, and they have more experience in the playoffs. The Knicks will need to play a perfect game to win Game 1, and it's hard to see them doing that against a team as talented as the Sixers.
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