The Eastern Conference semifinals are set to deliver fireworks as the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers prepare for Round 2 of their postseason rivalry. This heavyweight clash pits the No. 3 seed Knicks against the seventh-seeded 76ers, with a spot in the conference finals on the line.
If their last playoff meeting is any indication, fans are in for an absolute treat. Just two years ago, these teams battled through an unforgettable first-round series that had everything: Joel Embiid's jaw-dropping self-alley-oop dunk that unfortunately wrecked his knee in Game 1, Isaiah Hartenstein and Donte DiVincenzo's clutch offensive rebound and dagger three that had Mike Breen shouting "double-bang" in Game 2, and Embiid fighting through knee pain and Bell's palsy to drop a career playoff-high 50 points in Game 3. Jalen Brunson answered with 47 of his own to put New York up 3-1, only for Tyrese Maxey to stave off elimination with a stunning 46-point performance in Game 5. Josh Hart finally capped the classic duel with a dagger three to close out the series in Game 6.
Now, with even higher stakes, this rematch promises to be even more intense.
Series Schedule
Game 1: Monday, May 4 at New York (8 p.m., NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Wednesday, May 6 at New York (7 p.m., ESPN)
Game 3: Friday, May 8 at Philadelphia (7 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 4: Sunday, May 10 at Philadelphia (3:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 5: Tuesday, May 12 at New York (TBD)*
Game 6: Friday, May 15 at Philadelphia (TBD)*
Game 7: Sunday, May 17 at New York (TBD)*
What Makes This Matchup Special
The Knicks enter as the higher seed, having won 53 games this season (54 if you count the NBA Cup final). They've built on last year's Eastern Conference finals run, returning their core and adding quality depth pieces like Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado. This team has proven they can hit a higher gear than any Knicks squad in over half a century.
For Philadelphia, it's all about health and momentum. Joel Embiid remains the X-factor—when he's at full strength, he's arguably the most unstoppable force in the game. Tyrese Maxey has evolved into a legitimate star, and the supporting cast has grown around them. The 76ers know they can hang with New York; they proved that two years ago.
Key Matchup to Watch
The battle in the paint will be crucial. New York's physical frontcourt, led by Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson, will test Embiid's durability and discipline. Meanwhile, the Knicks' backcourt defense, anchored by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, will have their hands full with Maxey's lightning-quick drives and pull-up threes.
The Biggest Question
Can Philadelphia's role players step up consistently? In their last series, the 76ers relied heavily on their stars. For them to advance, they'll need contributions from guys like Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton to take pressure off Embiid and Maxey.
Prediction
This series has all the makings of another classic. The Knicks have home-court advantage and proven playoff chemistry, but the 76ers have the talent to steal games in New York. Expect this one to go the distance—seven games of high-intensity, edge-of-your-seat basketball.
Get your gear ready, because this is the kind of series that defines careers and creates legends.