After a thrilling first round of the NBA Playoffs that featured three Game 7s and a series of stunning upsets, the second round has settled into a more predictable rhythm. Four series in, the favorites are flexing their muscle, setting the stage for a pivotal Sunday showdown.

The New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of sweeps, holding commanding 3-0 series leads. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons have seized control of their matchups with 2-1 advantages. But playoff basketball is never truly over until the final buzzer sounds, and two desperate underdogs are ready to fight for their postseason lives on their home courts.

For the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves, Sunday's games hinge on one critical factor: the health of their superstar leaders. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia's MVP center, returned for Game 3 after sitting out Game 2, but he was clearly not himself. Shooting just 7-for-17 from the floor and struggling to move defensively, Embiid looked like a player still shaking off rust. The 76ers need the dominant version of their big man to avoid falling into an insurmountable 3-0 hole.

Across the conference, Anthony Edwards has played in all three games of his series, but he's been fighting through a knee injury sustained in the first round against the Denver Nuggets. Through Games 1 and 2, Edwards lacked his trademark burst and explosive athleticism, averaging just 15 points while coming off the bench. However, Game 3 offered a glimmer of hope for Timberwolves fans. Edwards returned to the starting lineup and erupted for 32 points, showing signs that he's rounding back into form just in time to keep Minnesota's season alive.

Will these two stars rise to the occasion and inject some much-needed drama into these playoffs? Here are tonight's best bets to keep an eye on.

First Pick: Philadelphia 76ers +1.5 over New York Knicks

History suggests not to count out Embiid and the 76ers just yet. In Game 4 of their first-round series against the Celtics, Embiid made his much-anticipated return from injury, but Philadelphia was blown out, falling behind 3-1. It looked bleak. But after a game to find his rhythm, Embiid turned in a vintage performance in Game 5: 33 points, elite defense, and a series-altering win. The rest, as they say, is history.

While climbing out of a 3-0 hole is a far steeper challenge than overcoming a 3-1 deficit, expect a massive response from the MVP center. With their season on the line, Philadelphia is fighting for survival, and Embiid thrives when his back is against the wall. Too many things went wrong for the 76ers in Game 3—expect a much sharper, more focused effort in Game 4 as they look to steal one on their home floor.