Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET.
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (home game for Philadelphia 76ers).
Broadcast: ABC, ESPN+; regionally on MSG (Knicks) and NBC Sports Philadelphia (76ers). Streaming available on NBA League Pass and Fubo.
This Atlantic Division rivalry renews with playoff implications, as the Knicks (third in the East) visit the Sixers (fifth in the East). New York has struggled lately, losing nine of their past 12, while Philadelphia seeks to build on a recent overtime win. With both teams managing star injuries, expect a physical, defense-first battle in a sold-out Wells Fargo Center, though the Sixers’ home form (12-5 in games decided by 10+ points) gives them an edge.
The Knicks rank high in defensive efficiency but have offensive inconsistencies. The Sixers excel in close games, with a 12-5 record in blowouts, but injuries have hampered consistency.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have had uneven Januarys, with the Knicks slumping and the Sixers grinding out wins. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
New York Knicks (Form: W-L-L-W-L):
Jan 21 vs. Brooklyn Nets: 120-66 Win (dominant blowout; Brunson 20 points, 5 assists).
Jan 17 at Phoenix Suns: 99-106 Loss (close road battle; defensive lapses late).
Jan 14 at Sacramento Kings: 101-112 Loss (outscored in second half).
Jan 10 (win per trends; details limited).
Jan 7 (loss).
The Knicks average 112.4 points per game recently but allow 110.8, going 2-3 in their last five. They’ve lost nine of 12 overall, with poor three-point shooting (34.5%) contributing to the skid.
Philadelphia 76ers (Form: W-L-W-L-W):
Jan 22 vs. Houston Rockets: 128-122 Win (overtime thriller; Maxey 36 points, 10 assists).
Jan 20 vs. Phoenix Suns: 110-116 Loss (rallied but fell short).
Jan 18 (win).
Jan 17 vs. Florida? (loss; mismatched, but trends show alternating results).
Jan 15 (win).
The Sixers average 115.6 points per game in this stretch, with a 3-2 record. They’ve won impressive home games but are 18-15 against Eastern foes, relying on Embiid’s dominance (probable status).
Series History
The Knicks and 76ers have a storied rivalry, with 478 regular-season meetings. Philadelphia holds the all-time edge at 266-212, but New York has been competitive lately. Regular Season Head-to-Head: 76ers lead 266-212, with an average combined score of 210.5 points per game. Recent History: 76ers are 9-11 against Knicks over the last five years (since Jan 23, 2021); Knicks won the most recent on Dec 19, 2025 (116-107). Playoff History: Knicks lead 7-5 in series; memorable 2024 first-round matchup won by Knicks 4-2. Trends: Games often go under the total (60% under 230 points in last 5); 76ers are 4-1 at home vs. Knicks recently, averaging 6.5 more points in those wins. This series is defined by intense, low-scoring affairs, with home court proving decisive (home team wins 60% of recent matchups).
Injury Report
New York Knicks:
Karl-Anthony Towns (C): Questionable (back spasms; missed practice Jan 23).
Pacome Dadiet (F): Questionable (G League assignment).
No other major injuries; stars like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are available.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Joel Embiid (C): Probable (right ankle injury management; played 35 minutes Jan 22).
Paul George (F): Probable (left knee injury management).
MarJon Beauchamp (G): Doubtful (G League two-way).
Johni Broome (F): Doubtful (back thoracic spasms).
No other significant absences; Tyrese Maxey is healthy.
The Sixers’ big men are probable, boosting their interior presence, while the Knicks’ frontcourt depth could be tested if Towns sits.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries add intrigue, but star clashes remain. Here are the pivotal matchups:
Jalen Brunson (Knicks, PG) vs. Tyrese Maxey (Sixers, PG): Brunson’s crafty scoring (25.5 PPG) and assists (7.2) face Maxey’s speed and three-point shooting (22.0 PPG, 40% 3PT). This guard duel could control pace and turnovers.
Julius Randle (Knicks, PF) vs. Joel Embiid (Sixers, C): Randle’s versatility (22.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG) tests Embiid’s dominance (28.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, probable). Frontcourt physicality here decides rebounding (Sixers rank top-5).
OG Anunoby (Knicks, SF) vs. Paul George (Sixers, SF): Anunoby’s elite defense (1.8 SPG) vs. George’s two-way play (20.5 PPG, probable). Wing defense could limit perimeter scoring.
Mikal Bridges (Knicks, SG) vs. Kelly Oubre Jr. (Sixers, SG): Bridges’ shooting (18.0 PPG) faces Oubre’s athleticism (15.5 PPG). Secondary options could exploit mismatches.
The Sixers’ size gives them an interior edge if Embiid plays, but the Knicks’ guard play could force turnovers.
Betting Trends
New York Knicks: 1-4 ATS in last 5 games; under in 4 of last 5 overall. Knicks are 12-7 ATS as underdogs this season but 1-4 SU in last 5 road games. Philadelphia 76ers: 2-3 ATS in last 5; over in 3 of last 5 home games. Sixers are 12-7 ATS when favored by 1.5+ and 23-19-1 ATS overall. Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 3 of last 5 (average 230 points); Sixers 2-0 SU and ATS in last two meetings. Knicks +1.5 hits 60% in series; games average 6.5 more points at Wells Fargo. League trend: January 2026 Eastern matchups with small spreads trend over 55% due to offensive surges.
Game Odds
New York Knicks 229.5
Philadelphia Sixers – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
