76ers-Knicks: Series keys, schedule and prediction for Round 2 heavyweight fight

3 min read
76ers-Knicks: Series keys, schedule and prediction for Round 2 heavyweight fight

76ers-Knicks: Series keys, schedule and prediction for Round 2 heavyweight fight

Here's everything you need to know about the second-round matchup between the 76ers and Knicks.

76ers-Knicks: Series keys, schedule and prediction for Round 2 heavyweight fight

Here's everything you need to know about the second-round matchup between the 76ers and Knicks.

The Eastern Conference semifinals are set to deliver fireworks as the No. 3 seed New York Knicks take on the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in a rematch two years in the making. If their last postseason battle was any indication, buckle up — this series could be an instant classic.

Two years ago, these teams met in the first round and produced one of the most memorable series in recent NBA history. It had everything: Joel Embiid throwing down a self-alley-oop that left him limping, Isaiah Hartenstein and Donte DiVincenzo combining for an offensive rebound and dagger three that earned a legendary "double-bang" from Mike Breen, and Embiid battling 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 the Knicks up 3-1, Tyrese Maxey staved off elimination with a breathtaking 46-point performance in Game 5, and Josh Hart sealed the series with a clutch three in Game 6. Whew.

Now, with a spot in the Eastern Conference finals on the line, both teams are ready to raise the stakes even higher. The Knicks enter as the higher seed after a 53-win season, powered by their core from last year's conference finals run and bolstered by savvy additions like Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado. The 76ers, meanwhile, have shown they can hang with anyone — and that they're capable of hitting a gear few teams can match.

Here's everything you need to know for this heavyweight showdown:

Schedule:
Game 1: Mon., May 4 at New York (8 p.m., NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Wed., May 6 at New York (7 p.m., ESPN)
Game 3: Fri., May 8 at Philadelphia (7 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 4: Sun., May 10 at Philadelphia (3:30 p.m., ABC)
*Game 5: Tue., May 12 at New York (TBD)
*Game 6: Fri., May 15 at Philadelphia (TBD)
*Game 7: Sun., May 17 at New York (TBD)

Key Matchup to Watch: The battle in the paint will be fierce, with Embiid anchoring Philadelphia's defense against a Knicks team that thrives on offensive rebounds and physical play. New York's ability to crash the glass — led by Hart and Hartenstein — could be the difference-maker against a Sixers squad that sometimes struggles to close out possessions.

Key Question: Can the 76ers' supporting cast step up around Embiid and Maxey? The Knicks have depth and home-court advantage, but Philadelphia's stars have proven they can carry the load. If role players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry can knock down shots, the Sixers have a real shot at pulling off the upset.

Prediction: This series has all the makings of a seven-game war. The Knicks' resilience and home-court edge give them a slight nod, but don't count out a Sixers team that thrives on drama. Expect hard fouls, big shots, and plenty of moments that will have fans on the edge of their seats. Knicks in 7.

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