Playoff Game Preview: New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers, Game 5, April 30, 2024

Is it 2024, or have we time-traveled back to 1994? The New York Rangers have just completed a stunning sweep of the Washington Capitals in the first round. OJ has been all over the headlines over the past couple of weeks, and the Knicks are the talk of the town. Going into tonight’s Game 5, the Knicks hold a commanding 3-1 lead over the Sixers, inching closer to victory against a team many sports critics had favored to win the East, leaving Knicks fans saying the same thing they said 30 years ago, “Bring on Indy”.

If Embiid and the Sixers didn’t feel at home in their own arena, there’s no doubt they won’t relish what awaits them tonight—an encounter with a true home fan base at Madison Square Garden. The disdain for Embiid’s dirty play throughout the series, and the pure hatred of all Philadelphia sports teams, will fuel the electric atmosphere of the Garden from the moment the MSG gates open as the Knicks look to close out the series and send Embiid and crew back to the City of Brotherly and Knicks Love.

As the Sixers stare down elimination tonight, news just broke that Embiid is listed as questionable. While it’s premature to speculate on whether he’ll sit out this crucial game, his absence from this morning’s shootaround due to a migraine adds uncertainty. Despite these questionable designations becoming somewhat routine for him and the Sixers, Embiid has powered through all of them since the beginning of April. Following game 3, Embiid was quoted as saying “I’m just trying to keep pushing,” Embiid said after Game 3. “Like I said, I’m not going to quit. If it’s on one leg, I’m still going to go out there and try, but that’s not an excuse. Have to keep playing better, and better, and better.”

Unless there are any further developments around his health status, expect him to start and fight through all pain tonight until he either literally can’t walk anymore or the final buzzer, whichever comes first.

On the Knicks’ injury front, Bojan Bogdanovic has been ruled out, while Mitchell Robinson is listed as questionable. Bogdanovic sustained a left foot contusion in the second quarter of Game 4. Robinson, who sat out Game 4 due to an ankle sprain on his surgically repaired left ankle, is likely to remain sidelined tonight. With the Knicks holding a 3-1 lead at home and facing a bruised and battered Embiid, they may prioritize Robinson’s long-term health and opt to rest him, aiming to ensure he’s at full strength for the second round, rather than risking further damage.

Jalen Brunson, who achieved a personal playoff best and set a franchise record for the most points scored in a playoff game, surpassing Bernard King’s previous single-game record with 47 points, is listed as probable after colliding knees with Kyle Lowry on Sunday. However, that designation should be disregarded. There’s no doubt that the current King of New York will be in the starting line-up tonight with the hopes of leading this team to the next round tonight.

Projected Starters

Philadelphia 76ers

G- Kyle Lowry

G- Tyrese Maxey

F- Kelly Oubre Jr.

F- Tobias Harris

C- Joel Embiid

New York Knicks:

G- Jalen Brunson

G- Donte’ DiVincenzo

F- OG Anunoby

F- Josh Hart

C- Isaiah Hartenstein

Prediction

During the second round of the 1999 NBA Playoffs when the Knicks were in the midst of sweeping the Hawks, Chris Rock did a sideline interview and I’ll never forget his response when he was poised with the question of just far he thinks the Knicks could go that year. “Oh, we could beat Reggie”, Chris remarked. Mind you, this was before the Hawks series was even finished. I mention this because it perfectly captures the sentiment I’m feeling this morning. The Knicks seem to have the Sixers’ number, with Embiid and company being outplayed by a Knicks team that hasn’t been this entertaining to watch since their memorable 1999 run to the Finals. And, you better believe, we could beat Haliburton.

Knicks 108 - Sixers 97. Bring on Indy!

Game 5 Details

Who: New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

When: 7:00 pm EST, Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Watch: MSG and TNT

P.S. Congrats to Josh Hart on finally landing his deal with Mike & Ike. Well deserved, and I can’t wait to try the new “3 Point Mix”.