There’s no love lost between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks, and Saturday night’s clash at Madison Square Garden proved just how much this rivalry still sizzles. With tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Knicks hosted the Sixers in a matchup loaded with storylines: revenge, redemption, and playoff positioning were all on the line. The echoes of last season’s postseason exit at the hands of New York still lingered for Philadelphia, and both teams arrived with something to prove.
Entering the contest, the Knicks sat comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-11 record. Their dominance at home was undeniable—New York boasted a stellar 15-3 record at Madison Square Garden, making them one of the league’s toughest hosts. The Sixers, meanwhile, were 18-14, but momentum was on their side after notching back-to-back wins against the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks. In that recent victory over Dallas, Tyrese Maxey exploded for 34 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, underlining his evolution into one of the NBA’s most dynamic guards.
Fans tuning in had plenty of ways to catch the action, with the game broadcast nationally on NBA TV and regionally on MSG and NBC Sports Philadelphia. For those on the go, streaming was available on Fubo and Peacock—ensuring no one missed a second of this Eastern Conference showdown.
Oddsmakers favored the Knicks, setting them as 2.5 to 4-point favorites across various sportsbooks, with moneylines ranging from -148 to -170 for New York and +124 to +145 for Philadelphia. The over/under hovered around 233 points, reflecting both teams’ high-powered offenses. The Knicks, averaging 120.5 points per game (fifth in the NBA), were expected to push the pace, while the Sixers, at 116.6 points per game, weren’t far behind.
For the Sixers, the trio of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George has started to gel at just the right time. Maxey, in particular, has been sensational—third in the NBA in scoring with 30.9 points per game, 7.2 assists, and shooting a blistering 39.6% from beyond the arc. His ability to play nearly 40 minutes a night has made him the heartbeat of Philadelphia’s attack. Embiid, still managing limited minutes, is contributing 22.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, while Paul George chips in 15.9 points and 5.3 boards, shooting nearly 39% from three-point range. The addition of rookie VJ Edgecombe has been a revelation; the third-overall pick is averaging 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, providing a spark on both ends of the floor.
Philadelphia’s supporting cast has also stepped up. Quentin Grimes brings 14.8 points per game off the bench, and Andre Drummond continues to clean the glass with 9.2 rebounds per game. Despite injuries to Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford, the Sixers have managed to stay competitive, going 19-13 against the spread and splitting their over/under bets right down the middle at 16-16.
On the other side, the Knicks’ offense runs through Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 29.2 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 37.8% from three. Karl-Anthony Towns, though listed as questionable with an illness, has been a double-double machine with 21.9 points and 11.7 rebounds per contest. The Knicks’ depth is one of their biggest strengths; Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have flourished under new head coach Mike Brown, while bench players like Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson, Tyler Kolek, and Jordan Clarkson have all made significant contributions.
New York’s statistical profile is impressive: fourth in offensive rating, 11th in field goal percentage, and fourth in three-point shooting. Defensively, they rank 16th in rating and 10th in opponents’ field goal percentage, though they’ve shown some vulnerability on the perimeter, allowing the 22nd-best opponents’ three-point percentage.
But recent form told a more complicated story. The Knicks entered the night coming off a disappointing 111-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, a game in which they trailed by as many as 26 points and never really threatened Atlanta’s lead. It was their fourth loss in eight games, and fatigue seemed to be creeping in for the NBA’s In-Season Tournament champions. With Josh Hart and Landry Shamet sidelined and Towns’ status uncertain, questions swirled around New York’s ability to keep up their relentless pace.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, was riding high. Their December 19 win over the Knicks—116-107—came without Embiid, as Maxey and Edgecombe combined for 53 points. The Sixers’ defense was particularly impressive that night, with Edgecombe holding Brunson to just two points on 10% true shooting over 70 possessions. Could Edgecombe repeat that feat? Knicks fans certainly hoped Brunson’s craftiness would shine through in the rematch.
As the game tipped off, all eyes were on the chess match between two of the league’s best point guards. Would Maxey’s relentless energy outduel Brunson’s poise and shot-making? Could Embiid’s inside presence tip the scales, or would the Knicks’ deep bench and home-court advantage prove decisive?
Predictions from experts were split. Some pointed to the Knicks’ home dominance and balanced offense as keys to victory. "The New York Knicks look primed to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers. New York has been dominant at MSG and has a terrific opportunity to avenge a December home loss on this very court," one analyst wrote, citing the Knicks’ 15-3 home record. Others saw an opportunity for the Sixers to pull off another upset, especially given New York’s recent struggles and Philadelphia’s surging chemistry.
Injuries and fatigue loomed large over the proceedings. With Towns questionable and Hart out, OG Anunoby was expected to take on a bigger rebounding role, while the Sixers hoped Embiid could exploit the Knicks’ thin frontcourt. Paul George, averaging 15.9 points and 5.3 rebounds, was another player to watch—could he stretch the Knicks’ defense and open lanes for Maxey and Edgecombe?
As the action unfolded at Madison Square Garden, the energy was palpable. The Knicks, eager for payback, pushed the tempo early, but the Sixers’ defense—particularly Edgecombe’s length and athleticism—kept things close. Both teams traded runs, with Maxey and Brunson dazzling the crowd with their shot-making and playmaking. The game lived up to its billing as a battle between two of the East’s premier backcourts.
With the outcome still hanging in the balance, fans were treated to a showcase of elite NBA talent and intense rivalry. Whether the Sixers could continue their hot streak or the Knicks would reassert their dominance at home, one thing was clear: this matchup delivered drama, star power, and a glimpse of what could be a thrilling postseason rematch down the line.
As the final buzzer approached, both squads left it all on the court, and the Eastern Conference picture grew just a little bit sharper. For now, the rivalry remains fierce, the stakes high, and the story far from over.