Knicks vs. 76ers Preview: How, Who to Watch in OG Anunoby's Potential Return, Jalen Brunson's Redemption
As they compete for real estate on the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will be relieved to get some of their most notable names back ... along with anyone who's planning to bet the over.
New York and Philadelphia played one of the most offensively-challenged games in recent NBA memory on Sunday and now get to do the whole thing all over again two nights later. Philadelphia took a 79-73 decision in that weekend-closing win, limiting the Knicks to the lowest scoring output in the NBA this season (less than 48 hours after the Knicks forced Orlando into that dubious mark in a Friday tilt).
OG Anunoby is listed as questionable on the Knicks' injury report, hinting at his first appearance in 18 games. On the other side, Philadelphia All-Star Tyrese Maxey is expected back after missing the last four games in concussion protocol.
The Knicks and Sixers remain engaged in a logjam in the middle portions of the East's playoff picture: entering their rematch, New York holds the fourth seed while Philadelphia is a game behind them in sixth. Tuesday will mark the Knicks' last home game before they embark on a four-part road trip induced by the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament's annual arrival.
This will also be the fourth and final meeting in the annual showdown between division rivals. The road team has dominated the matchup so far, as the Knicks previously earned two victories at Wells Fargo Center (including a 36-point shellacking with Anunoby in tow on Jan. 5). Though a sweep is out of the question, the Knicks will look for their first outright victory in the annual divisional get-together since 2015-16.
What: Philadelphia 76ers (36-28) @ New York Knicks (37-27)
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
When/Watch: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Who's Favored: NYK -4.5
Brad Pnner USA TODAY SPORTS
Keep An Eye On: Jalen Brunson
Brunson "broke out" for a game-best 19 points in Sunday's defensive toil but refused to sugarcoat anything in defeat: a report from Peter Botte of the New York Post saw the point guard admit that he played like "dog (excrement)," capping off the performance with a dreary 1-of-7 effort from the field in the fourth quarter. If there's one trait that has defined the Brunson era, it's that the Knicks have not let bad times spiral out of control. With the team slowly but surely set to get back to somewhat resembling full strength thanks to Anunoby's imminent return and Julius Randle possibly following, Brunson has one last headlining opportunity to make things truly right in Manhattan before the final stand begins.
Sixer to Watch: Paul Reed
It'd be silly to pin all of the Sixers' fortunes on the returning Maxey, so keep an eye on what Philadelphia is able to do in the interior on Tuesday. Knicks rebounders took full advantage of Joel Embiid's continued departure, as four different New Yorkers pulled in at least nine rebounds (including a season-best for backcourt dweller Donte DiVincenzo). Reed, however, rose to the occasion, particularly in the final stages of the win when he pulled in seven points and five rebounds over a near-dozen-minute slate in the last period. Philadelphia will need Reed to keep rolling as long as Embiid's out, and another clutch performance in Manhattan could a long way to securing a top six, automatic playoff spot.
They Said It
“The body feels good to have had that kind of stretch. For me, it’s just continuing to try to recover as best I can and then when I’m out there, just give whatever I got ... Once we get guys back, I’m probably 99 percent sure I won’t be playing 40 every day, every game. But the body feels solid.”-Josh Hart on his extended playing time (h/t Peter Botte, New York Post)
Prediction
Again, it's hard to imagine the Knicks putting up consecutive clunkers, even if everything feels destined for a letdown: the anticipation of Anunoby's return and the last MSG showing for some time causes this showdown to have "trap game" written all over it. Nonetheless, shutdown defense still has a place in today's Association and the Knicks can prove it by recovering on Tuesday night.
