Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks - Usa: Nba - Pre-Season

Expect a low-tempo, physical grind. The game will likely be decided in the final minutes through elite isolation scoring and defensive rebounding resilience.

Philadelphia relies on a 115.8 defensive rating and elite rim protection. The Knicks counter with a league-leading 33.2% offensive rebounding rate, creating crucial second-chance scoring opportunities.

Recent matchups have been highly competitive, with the home team winning four of the last six. Scoring averages hover around a tight 108-105 margin.

Our model projects a narrow Philadelphia victory. The 76ers are favored to cover the tight -3.5 spread in a low-scoring defensive battle.

Defensive Matchup Vulnerability will center on the Knicks' pick-and-roll coverage against Philadelphia's elite interior scoring, forcing heavy defensive rotations.

Philadelphia's ability to draw fouls inside will test the Knicks' frontcourt depth, with key defenders facing early foul trouble risk.

The Knicks hold a clear advantage on the glass, averaging 12.5 offensive rebounds, which will test Philadelphia's defensive box-out discipline.

Both teams excel in ball security, with turnover rates under 12.5%, ensuring very few easy transition points for either side.

Philadelphia's home-court advantage and superior free-throw generation should narrowly edge out the Knicks' elite rebounding in a physical, low-tempo clash.