Atlantic Division foes will lock horns when the New York Knicks (14-62) challenge the Philadelphia 76ers (18-58) at Madison Square Garden. Action begins at 7:30 pm ET on Sunday, Apr. 5 and can be seen on CSN-PHI and MSG.
The Knicks are are expecting a better outcome after their 101-87 loss to the Wizards on Friday. Ricky Ledo was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points. The 76ers, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after the 106-93 loss against that same Wizards squad on Wednesday. Ish Smith had a team-high 23 points.
Nerlens Noel has upped his play for the 76ers, averaging 17.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks over the past five games.
The Knicks lead the season series against the 76ers two games to one, but fell short in their most recent game, 97-81. Noel put up a double-double in the victory with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
The odds for New York and Philadelphia are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Knicks have gone 14-62 Straight Up (SU) and 30-44-2 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 4-11 SU and 8-7 ATS against divisional opponents.
In the other locker room, the 76ers have a record of 38-36-2 ATS and 18-58 SU. Against fellow division members, Philadelphia has a 2-13 SU and a 5-10 ATS record. Teams with weak ball handling have not fared well against the 76ers, who lead the league with 9.8 steals per game.
In their previous meeting this season, Philadelphia beat New York, but the win was not enough to overtake New York in the recent head-to-head series. Its record is now 3-7 SU over the last 10 meetings. With a 7-3 record, the 76ers have the advantage ATS. New York and Philadelphia both held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers one time over the last 10 games.
Predictions: SU Winner – PHI, ATS Winner – PHI
Notes
New York ranks 29th in points per game with 91.8, while Philadelphia ranks 17th in points allowed with an average of 100.5 given up.
On average, New York scores 91.4 points per home game (ranked 30th), while Philadelphia gives up 101.5 points per away game (ranked 19th).
Both New York and Philadelphia have losing records when they allow and score fewer than 100 points, respectively. The Knicks are 11-22 in the former situation, and the 76ers are 14-48 in the latter.
Both New York and Philadelphia have losing records when they allow and score at least 100 points, respectively. The Knicks are 3-40 in the former situation, and the 76ers are 4-10 in the latter.
The Knicks have an offensive rating of 97.2 (ranked 29th). The 76ers rank 11th for their defensive rating of 101.6.
New York averages fewer possessions per game than Philadelphia, with 94.4 compared to 99.0. However, the Knicks score an average of .972 points per possession, more than the .926 that the 76ers score.
The New York Knicks average an effective field goal percentage of 46.9% this season. The Philadelphia 76ers have an abysmal record of 2-46 when opponents have an EFF% of 46.9% or greater.
New York makes an average of 21.2 assists per game (ranked 19th), while Philadelphia makes 20.6 assists per game (ranked 25th).
New York makes an average of 4.5 blocks per game (ranked 19th). Philadelphia ranks higher in blocks with 6.0 (ranked fourth).
New York is ranked 18th in offensive rebounding. Philadelphia ranks 26th in defensive rebounds.
The Philadelphia 76ers average 9.8 steals per game (ranked first). The New York Knicks have a subpar 2-26 record when they allow at least 9 steals.
