2023-24 Eastern Conference First Round Preview: New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
With the play-in games finalized tonight, we are ready for round one of the NBA playoffs. One of the more enticing matchups of that first round is the one between the Knicks and Sixers. Both teams ended the season red-hot and are looking to keep that momentum going into the postseason.
The Sixers aren’t your typical seven-seed, especially after getting Joel Embiid back. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks were among the hottest teams in the NBA to finish the season. So, who will have the edge and advance to the second round? Let’s find out.
What to know about the New York Knicks:
Starting Lineup:
- G: Jalen Brunson
- G: Donte DiVincenzo
- F: Josh Hart
- F: OG Anunoby
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Other Key Players:
As previously mentioned, the Knicks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA going into the postseason. They have won six of their last seven games en route to securing the No. 2 seed. They are a team nobody wants to match up with right now and have seemingly played better in Julius Randle‘s absence.
The biggest reason for that has been the play of Jalen Brunson, who has been on another planet lately, averaging 37.8 points over the last 10 games. The Villanova product looks ready to lead this team deep into the playoffs, but he certainly won’t be without help.
Tom Thibodeau has proven himself as one of the better coaches in the league, with a knack for winning in any way possible. Then we got Brunson, who carries the load on the offense side. But his running mates, DiVincenzo and Hart, help to provide that defensive energy Brunson simply cannot give you. Then, down low, guys like Hartenstein and Robinson are as physical as you can get and make life extremely difficult for whoever their opponents are.
This Knicks team is going to try and wear you down over the course of the game. It’s a specialty for all Tom Thibodeau teams. No matter how conducted you are, his guys are just a step ahead. The Knicks acknowledge this and use it as a recipe to beat teams down slowly. Something that could very well against Joel Embiid and this often fast-paced sixer offense.
What to know about the Philadelphia 76ers
Starting Lineup:
- G: Tyrese Maxey
- G: Kyle Lowry
- F: Kelly Oubre Jr
- F: Tobias Harris
- C: Joel Embiid
Other Key Players:
- Buddy Hield
- De’Anthony Melton (when healthy)
- Paul Reed
Many people thought the season was over for the 76ers when Embiid tore his meniscus back in February. It wasn’t a crazy thought seeing just how impactful Embiid was for this Sixer team. They still had a solid roster, but many felt it just wouldn’t have enough firepower to make it through the regular season.
But a trade for Buddy Hield and improved play from guys like Maxey saw the 76ers tread enough water during the regular season to make the play. Then Embiid is able to come back from injury, all of a sudden, the 76ers become one of the scarier seven seeds to date. We all know the ceiling for this time with Embiid is much higher than a seven-seed, but sometimes that’s just how the cookie crumbles.
It’s a rather fast-paced offense made possible by Tyrese Maxey, who is always looking to push the ball down the court. But then when things need to be slowed a little, they can get it to Embiid and allow him to work more methodically in the paint. They have multiple different ways to score, and the addition of Kyle Lowry should help tremendously improve the defense of the backcourt.
It will really come down to how much Embiid has in the tank and if he and the others can truly slug it out against these Knicks.
Questions?
Can Joel Embiid stay healthy/avoid injury?
It’s the biggest question for the Sixers every postseason: can Joel Embiid avoid a major injury? This year is a bit different because Embiid is coming back from that serious meniscus injury. He did get to come back during the last couple of weeks, but it’s been clear that he is still getting back into game shape and getting that knee up to 100 percent. He looked a little sluggish against Miami, so it’s fair to question if he will be able to bring it for seven games against a very physical New York team. The Knicks know this and will surely be putting as many bodies as they can on Embiid. But if he can recognize this and use it to allow others to do the scoring. It not only benefits the team but allows Embiid to take some of that scoring weight off his shoulders.
Can the 76ers contain Jalen Brunson?
Easily the most important player on this Knicks team. Success for the Knicks comes through a great Brunson series, and for the Sixers, it involves neutralizing him as much as you possibly can. This Knicks team is far from a one-man army, but it’s clear that this team goes as far as Brunson takes them. We’ve seen that when Brunson is on, this team is almost impossible to beat, but if you can force him into an off night, the offense takes a clear hit unless guys like Josh Hart or DiVincenzo have big games. I imagine Kyle Lowry will guard Brunson as closely as possible because putting Maxey on him just seems like a losing effort, but regardless, it will be a tough task. The play of Jalen Brunson, either good or bad, will be a huge deciding factor in who wins this series.
Will the loss of Julius Randle be too much?
I know this may be a crazy question to some, given how good the Knicks have been in the absence of Randle. But the playoffs are a whole different animal. You are going to want as much star power as possible, especially when it’s in an area that is a strength for your opponent with Joel Embiid. Opinions on Randle are very split, but in this series, his presence surely would have been felt and useful. With an injured Embiid and an otherwise small Sixers lineup, the stars were lining up for a guy like Randle to have a big series. Now, the Knicks will have to find that offense in other areas, and I don’t think it can continue to be all on the shoulders of Brunson. Many think it’s insignificant, but the loss of Randle will prove more costly than many think.
Prediction: 76ers in 6:
It may just be my bias talking, I am always the first to admit that as a Philly fan. But I do think that Philly does have a slight edge here. I feel that Randle’s loss will just be too much over the course of a longer series. It’s going to be a dogfight either way and barring any major injuries; I expect it to be an extremely close series. The Sixers also have an improved bench, which should be a major factor late in the series. Made even better once De’Anthony Melton officially comes back. Maybe I’m relying too much on hope with this, but either way, it should be some great basketball, and I’m excited about it.
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