Madison Square Garden was abuzz on January 3, 2026, as the New York Knicks hosted the Philadelphia 76ers in a much-anticipated Atlantic Division showdown. With both teams boasting some of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, fans and pundits alike circled this matchup as one to watch. The Knicks, sitting atop the Atlantic Division with a 23-11 record, welcomed the 76ers, who entered the fray at 18-14 and holding the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference. Tipoff was set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game was televised on MSG, NBCS-PH, and NBA TV, with streaming options available on FuboTV, DirecTV, and SlingTV.
This contest wasn’t just about standings—it was a showcase of two elite guards: Jalen Brunson for New York, ranked seventh in league scoring at 29.2 points per game, and Tyrese Maxey for Philadelphia, third overall with a blistering 30.9 points per game. The battle between these two dynamic playmakers promised fireworks, with both carrying their squads through recent highs and lows.
The Knicks, however, limped into the matchup on the back of a tough two-game losing streak. After a heartbreaker against the San Antonio Spurs (134-132) and a disappointing 111-99 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks, questions swirled about New York’s shooting woes and depth. Against Atlanta, the Knicks struggled mightily from the floor, converting just 37% of their shots and a paltry 9-of-42 from beyond the arc. It was only their third home defeat of the season, but the sting was palpable. The absence of key rotation players—Karl-Anthony Towns (illness), Josh Hart (ankle), and Mitchell Robinson (ankle)—left the Knicks shorthanded and searching for answers. Landry Shamet (shoulder) was also listed as day-to-day, compounding the team’s injury concerns.
Despite the adversity, the Knicks’ offense remained potent, averaging 120.5 points per game—4.5 more than the 76ers typically allow (116.0). Their defense, surrendering 114.5 points per game, would be tested by a Philadelphia squad averaging 116.6 points, just a tick above league average and 2.1 more than what the Knicks usually concede. ESPN.com’s prediction gave New York a 65% chance to win, but that optimism hinged on the health of Towns and Robinson, both considered game-time decisions. As one local writer put it, “If Towns recovers from what ails him and Mitch’s ankle is good to go, pencil in the W.”
On the other side, the 76ers entered the Garden riding momentum from back-to-back road wins. Their 123-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on New Year’s Day was powered by Tyrese Maxey’s stellar performance—34 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists. Just one game prior, Philadelphia outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime, 139-136, with rookie VJ Edgecombe playing the hero. The Sixers remained four games back in the Atlantic Division but were surging at the right time, looking to close the gap on the Knicks.
Philadelphia’s lineup, too, was affected by injuries. Trendon Watford (thigh) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) were sidelined, while MVP candidate Joel Embiid was listed as probable with a knee issue, making him a game-time decision. In the previous meeting between these teams on December 19, the Sixers prevailed 116-107, thanks in part to Maxey’s 30-point, nine-assist outing and a surprising 14-point, 13-rebound double-double from Andre Drummond. Edgecombe also impressed, tallying 23 points and hitting 60% from deep. That night, Philadelphia’s shooting was lights out, with Drummond even connecting on 3-of-4 from three-point range—an unexpected bonus for the visitors.
For the Knicks, the matchup marked a potential turning point for OG Anunoby. After a red-hot start to the season, where he knocked down 41% of his threes over his first 18 games, Anunoby’s shooting touch deserted him following the last game against Philadelphia. Over his last seven contests, he shot just 18% from deep (7-of-38), averaging 13.4 points, six rebounds, and two assists, along with 11 steals and seven blocks. Yet, his total plus-minus during that stretch was a disappointing -34. Knicks fans hoped the rematch with the Sixers would spark Anunoby’s return to form. “Tonight’s rematch would be a perfect time to bust outta that slump, Ogugua!” one Knicks blog enthused.
Betting odds reflected the uncertainty brought on by injuries and recent form. New York was favored by 3.5 points, with a moneyline of -160, while Philadelphia was listed at +135. The total points line sat at 232.5, underscoring expectations for an up-tempo, high-scoring affair. With both teams boasting explosive offenses and defenses prone to lapses, oddsmakers anticipated plenty of action on the scoreboard.
Beyond the numbers, the game carried significant implications for both teams’ playoff positioning. The Knicks, leaders of the Atlantic and chasing the Detroit Pistons for the Eastern Conference’s top spot, couldn’t afford to let their losing streak spiral. The 76ers, meanwhile, were eager to build on their recent surge and prove they belonged among the conference’s elite. The rivalry between these storied franchises added another layer of intrigue, with the Garden crowd ready to roar at every swing in momentum.
As tipoff approached, all eyes were on the availability of the Knicks’ injured stars and whether Joel Embiid would suit up for Philadelphia. The potential for a Brunson-Maxey shootout loomed large, but the outcome would likely hinge on which supporting cast could rise to the occasion. Would the Knicks’ bench step up in the absence of key contributors? Could OG Anunoby rediscover his shooting stroke? And would the Sixers’ depth compensate if Embiid was less than 100%?
One thing was certain: the stakes were high, and the energy inside Madison Square Garden was electric. With both teams jockeying for playoff position and individual stars looking to make their mark, the stage was set for a classic NBA battle. As the game unfolded, fans were treated to a hard-fought contest that showcased the best of Eastern Conference basketball.
While the final result remained undecided at press time, the Knicks and 76ers delivered a game worthy of the spotlight. With the season heating up and the standings tightening, every possession mattered—a truth not lost on the players, coaches, or the raucous New York faithful. The Atlantic Division race is far from over, and both teams left the court knowing they’ll have plenty more to prove before the postseason arrives.
