The Philadelphia 76ers face the New York Knicks in a pivotal Atlantic Division matchup on January 3, 2026. The Sixers, sitting at sixth in the Eastern Conference, are riding a two-game winning streak and aim to capitalize on the Knicks’ recent struggles amid injuries. The Knicks, second in the East, have dropped three of their last five games but boast a strong 15-3 home record this season. This game could shake up the standings, with Philadelphia looking to build on their recent victory over New York just a couple of weeks ago.
Venue Location
The game takes place at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. This historic arena, with a capacity of 19,812, has been the Knicks’ home since 1968 and is renowned for its electric atmosphere in high-stakes NBA contests.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The matchup will be nationally televised on NBA TV, with local broadcasts on NBC Sports Philadelphia for Sixers fans and MSG for Knicks viewers. Streaming is available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences that could impact the game’s flow, particularly in the frontcourt.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG/SF): Out (left knee sprain). Oubre has been sidelined for weeks, weakening the Sixers’ wing defense and scoring depth.
Trendon Watford (PF): Out (left adductor strain). This limits Philadelphia’s bench frontcourt options.
MarJon Beauchamp (SG/SF): Doubtful (G League – Two-Way).
Johni Broome (C): Doubtful (G League – Two-Way).
Andre Jackson (SG): Out (G League – Two-Way).
Joel Embiid (C): Probable (knee management). Embiid is expected to play after recovering from a recent ankle sprain, but his minutes may be monitored.
New York Knicks:
Josh Hart (SG/SF): Out (right ankle sprain). Hart’s absence hurts the Knicks’ rebounding and perimeter defense.
Karl-Anthony Towns (C/PF): Questionable (illness/stomach issue). Towns missed the last game and his status is uncertain, potentially forcing adjustments in the paint.
Mitchell Robinson (C): Questionable (left ankle/left knee). Robinson is nearing a return but remains limited, impacting New York’s interior presence.
Landry Shamet (SG): Out (shoulder). Shamet’s shooting will be missed off the bench.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, especially if key players suit up despite injuries. The Sixers’ big three of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey will test New York’s depleted roster.
Tyrese Maxey (PHI PG) vs. Jalen Brunson (NYK PG): Maxey, averaging 30.9 points per game (third in the NBA), brings explosive scoring against Brunson’s steady playmaking (25.8 PPG, 7.2 APG). Maxey’s speed could exploit Brunson’s defense, but Brunson’s craftiness in the mid-range might keep it close.
Paul George (PHI SF) vs. Mikal Bridges (NYK SF): George’s two-way prowess (22.4 PPG, strong perimeter D) faces Bridges’ elite defense and scoring (19.6 PPG). This matchup could decide control of the wings.
Joel Embiid (PHI C) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK C, if available): Embiid’s dominance (28.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG) versus Towns’ floor-spacing (24.1 PPG, 12.8 RPG) is a marquee big-man duel. If Towns sits, Embiid could feast against backups like Precious Achiuwa.
Bench Impact: Philadelphia’s Quentin Grimes (recent 19-point outing) and New York’s Miles McBride (starting in Hart’s absence) could swing the game with secondary scoring.
Recent Team Forms
Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 115.1 points while shooting 42.5% from the field. They’ve won their last two, including a 123-108 victory over Dallas on January 1, led by Maxey’s 34 points and 10 assists. Philadelphia has won four straight road games against Atlantic Division foes, showing resilience away from home.
New York Knicks: The Knicks are 3-2 in their last five but have lost three of those, including a 111-99 home defeat to Atlanta on January 2 and a 134-132 overtime loss at San Antonio on December 31. They’ve struggled defensively lately, allowing 121.6 points per game over that stretch, exacerbated by injuries.
| Recent Games | Philadelphia 76ers | New York Knicks |
| Last 5 Results | W vs. Dallas (123-108), W at Memphis (139-136), L vs. Indiana (112-105), W at Atlanta (120-117), W at Knicks (116-107) | L vs. Atlanta (111-99), L at San Antonio (134-132), W vs. Washington (118-105), L at Orlando (112-108), W vs. Utah (120-115) |
| ATS Record (Last 10) | 6-4 | 1-4 (last 5) |
| Over/Under (Last 10) | 5-5 | Combined over in 6 of last 10 |
Series History
The 76ers lead the all-time series 265-212, including playoffs. In the last five years, New York holds an 11-8 edge. Philadelphia won the most recent meeting on December 19, 2025, 116-107 at Madison Square Garden, snapping a brief Knicks streak. The Sixers are 4-1 in their last five road games against New York.
Betting Trends
Trends: Philadelphia is 6-4 ATS in their last 10 and 4-0 ATS in recent road games vs. Atlantic teams. New York is 1-4 ATS in their last five and 5-11 ATS on the road overall (though strong at home). The over has hit in 6 of the Knicks’ last 10 games, and in four of the last five head-to-head matchups.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Sixers 232.5
New York Knicks – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026
