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Knicks vs. 76ers Bold Predictions: Dominant Win Coming

The New York Knicks are hoping to keep their winning ways alive.
Dec 18, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA;  New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Dec 18, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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The New York Knicks enter Madison Square Garden tonight riding an impressive six-game winning streak with a stellar 19-7 record that has them sitting second in the Eastern Conference.

Fresh off a heart-stopping 114-113 road victory over the Pacers on Wednesday night, where Jalen Brunson drilled a go-ahead three-pointer with just 4.4 seconds remaining and OG Anunoby sealed it with a clutch steal on the inbounds pass, this team has championship DNA written all over them.

The Knicks are now an absurd 13-1 at home this season, and as 4.5-point favorites tonight, they've been dominating MSG with an offensive rating that ranks third in the league. This isn't a team that plays close games at home; they've been crushing opponents with suffocating defense and balanced scoring all season long.​

Meanwhile, Philadelphia limps into this matchup on a one-game skid at 14-11, sitting fifth in the East. The 76ers' injury report tells a troubling story: Kelly Oubre Jr. is out until at least December 20 with a knee injury, Trendon Watford won't return until December 26 with a thigh issue, and Joel Embiid was listed as a game-time decision with an illness heading into tonight's contest.

Knicks Dominate the Paint, Win by 15+

With Oubre Jr. sidelined and Embiid's status uncertain, the Knicks will attack the paint relentlessly. If Karl-Anthony Towns plays, he will feast on a depleted 76ers frontcourt, likely posting 26+ points on efficient shooting while controlling the glass.

Even if Embiid suits up at less than 100%, the Knicks' interior presence, combined with their ability to push the pace in transition, will create a massive point differential. Expect a 118-103 Knicks victory that isn't as close as the final score suggests.

Brunson Continues His MVP-Caliber Run with 30+ Points

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson
Dec 15, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) at press conference prior to the Emirates NBA Cup championship at the T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Coming off clutch heroics against Indiana, Jalen Brunson will ride the momentum wave straight into another dominant performance. Averaging 28.7 points per game on 48.4% shooting this season, Brunson will exploit Philadelphia's perimeter defense gaps created by Oubre's absence.

He'll orchestrate the offense brilliantly, drop 32 points with 9 assists, and prove once again why he's the most underrated star in the Eastern Conference. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Towns will be unstoppable tonight.

Mikal Bridges Shuts Down Tyrese Maxey, Becomes X-Factor

Here's the boldest prediction: Mikal Bridges will limit Tyrese Maxey to under 25 points while contributing 20+ points himself on the offensive end. Bridges' two-way versatility has been crucial during this six-game win streak, and tonight he'll showcase why he's one of the league's premier wing defenders.

With Philadelphia missing key rotation pieces, Bridges will take advantage of mismatches, hit timely threes, and swing the game's momentum in the second quarter when the Knicks traditionally pull away from opponents at MSG.

Final Score Prediction: Knicks 118, 76ers 103

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Published
Jayesh Pagar
JAYESH PAGAR

Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. He has contributed extensively to NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football content.