The East Coast is preparing for a crippling cold spell. Even record-low temperatures aren’t cooling off the hot NBA action fans will have on Saturday as the New York Knicks (26-18) head to Philadelphia to face the 76ers (24-19).
The Knicks were among the league’s top teams just a month ago, posting a 23-9 record on December 29th. They’ve cooled considerably since then, winning just three of their next 12 games.
Philly hasn’t fared significantly better in their recent outings. The 76ers are just 5-5 in their past 10 games. Thursday’s victory over Houston left Philadelphia all alone for the Eastern Conference’s fifth spot.
A win over the Knicks could propel the 76ers to a half-game of New York, a feat that just one month ago seemed unlikely. Can Philadelphia continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings? We’ll cover that and provide three player props for this weekend’s game.
New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson OVER 37.5 Pts + Ast + Reb
Jalen Brunson looked dominant in the NBA Cup, claiming the tournament’s MVP award. And he looked to be on pace to challenge for the league’s overall MVP award this season, averaging 29.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists just before Christmas.
He’s dropped from that consideration after New York’s recent slide. His numbers have dipped during that span, too. But he continues to be on fire when he plays the 76ers. He’s averaging 39 combined points, rebounds, and assists against Philadelphia in a pair of games this year. Expect him to exceed those numbers on Saturday as he covers this combo prop bet total.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid OVER 8.5 Rebounds
Injuries have plagued Joel Embiid’s entire Philadelphia career. After missing the NBA season’s first month, the seven-footer returned to the court in November and is building toward another strong season.
Currently, Embiid is averaging 24.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 24 games. He’s been on a rebounding tear as of late, nabbing 24 boards combined in this week’s games.
Despite squaring off with Karl-Anthony Towns in the paint, he posted double-digit rebounds in his only matchup against the Knicks. Bettors should expect a repeat performance on Saturday as he covers this rebounding prop wager total.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey OVER 26.5 Points
Embiid’s return to the lineup has done little to slow guard Tyrese Maxey’s scoring spree. The 6-foot-2 athlete is third in the NBA this season, scoring 30.1 points per game thus far. He’s averaging over 28 points in December and January when the two stars have been on the court together.
Maxey has lived up to his average against the Knicks in two previous matchups. The guard poured in at least 30 points in both victories over New York. That’s why bettors should expect him to continue his scoring spree on Saturday and cover this prop bet total.
| Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 PM | Spread | Money | Total |
| Philadelphia 76ers |  +5.5 (-110) |  +166 | O 233.5 (-110) |
| New York Knicks | -5.5 (-115) | -185 | U 231.5 (-110) |
Best Bet: Philadelphia +1
The Knicks won the NBA Cup, and their ascension to the top of the Eastern Conference appeared inevitable. Since securing that win, New York has won just eight more games, including a four-game losing streak that the Knicks snapped on Wednesday.
Rest will certainly help New York ahead of this physical matchup on Saturday, but not enough. Bettors should expect the homesteading 76ers to earn their 13th home victory of the season on Saturday and cover the spread.
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