Playoff Game Preview: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers, Game 3, April 25, 2024

The 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs continue tonight when the New York Knicks battle the Philadelphia 76ers (47-35) at the Wells Fargo Center in the third game of the first round.

New York is sitting pretty with a two-game lead in the series—albeit barely. The two teams grappled like bare-knuckled boxers through the first two tilts, and the Knicks needed (and got) a near miracle to overcome a five-point deficit with 40 seconds left in Game Two. ‘Twas one for the ages, kids!

Throughout the series, reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid (Sixers) has hopped around on one knee and still been a handful for our heroes, scoring 31.5 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. His teammate Tyrese Maxey has been even more effective, averaging 34 points, seven assists, and 5.5 rebounds. They haven’t had much support, however, besides 13 ppg, five rpg, and 2.5 apg from old man Kyle Lowry. As for their other starters, Tobias Harris has averaged nine rebounds, 8.5 points, and 2.5 assists; and Kelly Who-Bre, Jr. has given them seven ppg, 2.5 rpg, and 2.5 spg.

An interesting development is that shooting guard De’Anthony Melton (6’3”, 200 lb) has been flagged as a game-time decision on the injury report (back issue). He’s been a good two-way player historically and averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and three assists in an injury-shortened season, playing just 38 games. When healthy, he can be a handsy defender, getting 4.2 deflections per game, and has a career defensive rating of 109.6.

For the Knicks, their leader Jalen Brunson has been neutralized by Philly’s schemes, shooting 16-of-55 over the first two contests. But while the Sixers pay attention to him, “Josh Hart is defying everything we know about playoff basketball.” Hart, who shot just 31% from downtown during the regular season, has averaged 21.5 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the last two games and hit 53% of his three-pointers. Playoff Josh? Seems like a thing.

Prediction

ESPN.com gives New York a 43% chance of winning. They must be accounting for the home court. We know the Sixers will be looking for blood and trying to salvage their playoff hopes with a homecourt win. Don’t forget, they were a top-three team in the Eastern Conference when Embiid was healthy this season and finished the regular slate off with a nine-game run of wins. They’re no pushovers, and having Melton available will only strengthen them.

Nonetheless, Jalen Brunson won’t stay in the corner for long, Patrick Swayze. The former Wildcat and his fellow Nova Knicks will put on a show tonight for the Pennsylvanian crowd. In another knock-down, drag-out, the Knicks shock the NBA (but not us true believers) with a +1 win. What a series!

Game Details

What: Round One, Game Three, 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs
Who: New York Knicks (50-32) vs Philadelphia 76ers (47-35)
When: 7:30 pm EST, Thursday, April 25, 2024
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: MSG, TNT
Follow: @ptknicksblog

Psst! Enjoy: