New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Playoffs Preview & Predictions
Cyro Asseo breaks down the 2026 NBA Playoffs second-round matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks enter as the favorites after a dominant first-round showing and a stronger full-season profile. New York finished 53–29 with a top-3 offense (119.8 ORtg) and top-7 defense, then followed it up with a 122.0 offensive rating against Atlanta. Meanwhile, Philadelphia advanced despite offensive inconsistency, averaging just 102.8 points per game against Boston.
Cyro explains why Jalen Brunson remains the engine of this series. He averaged 26.3 points and 6.2 assists in Round 1 and continues to control tempo, generate late-clock offense, and anchor New York’s half-court execution.
The biggest swing piece for New York is OG Anunoby. He was elite against Atlanta, putting up 21.5 points on 61.1% shooting and 56.7% from three. If he maintains that efficiency while defending at a high level, the Knicks become extremely difficult to scheme against.
Karl-Anthony Towns adds another layer with his passing and rebounding. His 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in Round 1 give New York a second offensive hub and a major advantage in controlling possessions.
For Philadelphia, everything hinges on Joel Embiid. Even in limited action, he averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. If he’s healthy and playing full minutes, the Sixers’ ceiling changes completely.
Tyrese Maxey remains the primary offensive driver, averaging 26.3 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 41.2% from three in the first round. Paul George adds elite shot-making, hitting 54.3% from deep, while VJ Edgecombe provides athleticism and energy as a rookie contributor.
X-Factors
Knicks
OG Anunoby — elite two-way efficiency
Karl-Anthony Towns — playmaking + rebounding control
Mitchell Robinson — second-chance impact off the bench
Miles McBride / Jose Alvarado — guard pressure on Maxey
76ers
Joel Embiid — health determines ceiling
Tyrese Maxey — must match Brunson’s production
Paul George — perimeter shot-making swing
VJ Edgecombe — rookie impact and athleticism
Projected 10-Man Rotation
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson
Mikal Bridges
OG Anunoby
Josh Hart
Karl-Anthony Towns
Miles McBride
Jordan Clarkson
Mitchell Robinson
Jose Alvarado
Landry Shamet
Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey
VJ Edgecombe
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Paul George
Joel Embiid
Quentin Grimes
Andre Drummond
Adem Bona
Justin Edwards
Dominick Barlow
Cyro breaks down why New York’s depth, offensive structure, and two-way balance give them the edge over a Philadelphia team that relies heavily on star-level shot-making.
Prediction: Knicks in 6
The 76ers have a real upset path if Embiid is healthy and Maxey/George stay efficient, but New York’s consistency, defense, and half-court execution should carry the series.
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00:00 – Series Preview & Intro
01:49 – Why the Knicks are the Favorites
03:22 – Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ Engine
04:03 – OG Anunoby: The Ultimate Swing Piece
04:38 – Karl-Anthony Towns: The X-Factor Advantage
05:45 – The 76ers’ Best Counter: Star Shot-Making
06:21 – Philadelphia’s Biggest Issue: Consistency
07:23 – Key Matchups & X-Factors
08:35 – Joel Embiid’s Health & The 76ers’ Path to Victory
10:35 – Final Series Prediction
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I own none of the footage in the video, it is intended for the purposes of critique and education.
Sixers in 5
Knicks in 5 or 6 tops…the bench overall and Mitchell Robinson will be the X-Factor
Phillys played too many games with minimal rest and I'm not certain their bench can produce enough to maintain, overall. With those minutes on their starters, there is a strong likelihood to Peter off. I'm asking myself the question "whose gonna get tired first."
Idk who to pick but I will say this is going to be a very intense series high emotions and physicality on the court I can’t wait !
Knicks 8
He has to be a NY fan his takes are 3/4ths biased
Crazy how no one mentions how this 76ers starting 5 havnt been on the floor together that much. 76ers in 6 if healthy
sixers played Embiid and max 40 and 45 min each they have no bench. the knicks are all about attacking the paint. get Embiid in foul trouble and the series is over
health is the only question for the sixers. "IF" healthy the Knicks have nothing for this 6ers teams. you basically have to hope Embiid is out for a few games to get a chance. Boston is a better team than NY but the Hawks are not a better team than the sixers so this will be a tougher match for the Knicks. Maxey has proven he owns NY and now the rookie will have his way as well. Forget about tryna stop Embiid he will average 31 this series there is nothing KAT or robinson can do about that. i do think NY has the deeper bench though so it will come down to a close one. sixers in 6
If Embiid plays every game I have the 76ers in 7 that’s a big if
Sixers win in 6
Sounds like you can read stats but dont actually know the teams. The sixers have only played 23 games this season with Maxey, Embiid, and George. And this starting 5 has played together even less. Acting like the regular season stats matter at all when it comes to this sixers team is asinine as we dont really know what they are besides top heavy.
Outside an injury i got the Sixers in 6