Venue: Madison Square Garden — New York, NY
Tip‑Off: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
Broadcast: ESPN / MSG Network / NBC Sports Philadelphia
INJURY REPORT
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid (C) — Probable, conditioning management
Tyrese Maxey (G) — Probable, minor ankle soreness
Tobias Harris (F) — Questionable, knee inflammation
Paul Reed (F/C) — Out, wrist sprain
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson (G) — Probable, minor foot soreness
Julius Randle (F) — Probable, shoulder maintenance
Mitchell Robinson (C) — Out, foot injury
Donte DiVincenzo (G) — Questionable, hamstring tightness
TEAM RECORDS (2025–26 SEASON RECAP)
Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 48–34
Offensive Rating: Top‑10
Defensive Rating: Middle‑of‑the‑pack
Playoffs: Eliminated in First Round
New York Knicks
Record: 51–31
Offensive Rating: Top‑12
Defensive Rating: Top‑8
Playoffs: Eliminated in Second Round
RECENT TEAM FORM (PRESEASON & CONTEXT)
Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid looked sharp in limited preseason minutes
Maxey emerging as a true All‑Star‑level scorer
Bench depth still a question
New defensive schemes under revamped coaching staff
New York Knicks
Brunson continues to play at an elite level
Randle’s health remains the biggest variable
New wing additions improved spacing
Defense looked strong in preseason, even without Robinson
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Joel Embiid (PHI) vs. Isaiah Hartenstein (NYK)
Embiid holds a major physical and skill advantage
Knicks will likely send early doubles Edge: Philadelphia
2. Jalen Brunson (NYK) vs. Tyrese Maxey (PHI)
Two elite scoring guards with contrasting styles
Brunson’s footwork vs. Maxey’s speed Edge: Even
3. Julius Randle (NYK) vs. Tobias Harris / Kelly Oubre Jr. (PHI)
Randle’s strength vs. Philly’s rotating forwards
Harris’ availability could swing this matchup Edge: Knicks (if Randle fully active)
4. Knicks Bench vs. Sixers Bench
Knicks have deeper guard/wing rotation
Philly relies heavily on starters Edge: Knicks
SERIES HISTORY
2025–26 Season Series: Knicks won 2–1
Last 10 Meetings: Knicks lead 6–4
At Madison Square Garden: Knicks have won 4 of last 5
Games often physical, defensive, and decided late
BETTING TRENDS
Philadelphia 76ers
5–2 ATS in last 7 season openers
Under has hit in 4 of last 6 road openers
Embiid averages 31.2 PPG in last 5 vs. NYK
New York Knicks
6–1 in last 7 home openers
Under has hit in 5 of last 7 at MSG
Brunson averages 27.4 PPG in last 8 home games
Game Odds
Philadelphia Sixers 212.5
New York Knicks – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, May 3, 2026
