Knicks - 76ers    (lost)

The Knicks finished the regular season at 53-29, ranking third in the East, and their overall consistency deserves respect. In the first round against the Hawks, they once trailed 1-2, but then won three straight games to advance 4-2. This is also the fourth consecutive season in which the Knicks have reached at least the second round of the playoffs. However, Philadelphia’s path was even more dramatic. The 76ers went 45-37 in the regular season, entered the playoffs through the play-in after beating Orlando, and then came back from a 1-3 deficit against Boston. It was the first time in franchise history that they overturned a 1-3 series deficit, so their confidence is extremely high.

In terms of roster condition, New York is relatively healthy, with only a hamstring issue listed as likely to play. Jalen Brunson averaged 26.3 points and 6.2 assists in the first round, while Karl-Anthony Towns produced 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 6 assists per game, including two triple-doubles. OG Anunoby added 21.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, and Mikal Bridges is also improving. For Philadelphia, Joel Embiid remains on the injury report but is also listed as probable. Since returning after appendix surgery, he has averaged 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in four games. Tyrese Maxey is adding 26.9 points and 6.6 assists, Paul George has 17.4 points, and rookie Edgecombe is contributing 15.1 points.

The market gives New York a strong edge, with ESPN projecting a 77.5% win probability for the Knicks and only 22.5% for the 76ers. The spread is also deep at Knicks -7.5. But the regular-season series was tied 2-2, and all four wins came on the road. Philadelphia also won three straight road games after losing Game 1 in the first round, including Game 7. New York has home-court advantage, but Philadelphia’s momentum, resilience and road performance should not be ignored. This spread looks a little too high, so the better angle is 76ers +7.5.