The New York Knicks (2-0) will visit the Philadelphia 76ers (0-2) for Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight. Tipoff from Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philly is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, with the game streaming live on Amazon Prime Video.
The Sixers return home for Game 3 as 2.5-point favorites over the Knicks, with the over/under set at 213.5 total points. Philadelphia is a -142 moneyline favorite to win outright, while New York is priced at +120 to pull off the road upset and take a commanding 3-0 lead.
Let's break down my Knicks vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks for Game 3 of this second-round playoff series on Friday, May 8.
Knicks vs 76ers Prediction, Pick
- Knicks vs 76ers pick: Paul George Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (-125)
My 76ers vs. Knicks Game 3 best bet is on Paul George to make over 1.5 three-pointers. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Knicks vs 76ers Game 3 Odds
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -102 | 213.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
| 76ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -118 | 213.5 -110o / -110u | -142 |
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers NBA Playoffs Preview
Knicks Betting Preview: Halfway Line Contingent on Embiid's Status
Ok, this is going to require some math. My base rating on this game with both teams healthy is New York -1.72. I make OG Anunoby worth 2.01 points to the spread; he’s likely to miss this game with a hamstring strain. So now we’re at Sixers -0.29, juiced toward Philadelphia.
Based on that equation, we should be on the Knicks in Game 3 tonight at +1.5. However, my contention is that this is a “halfway line” on Joel Embiid.
Embiid is worth roughly three points to the spread; we know that by the move from Sixers +7.5 to +10.5 in Game 2. So, the oddsmakers are basically splitting the difference. If Embiid plays, this line balloons up to Sixers -3. If Embiid is out, it moves back to a pick'em.
If Embiid is out, I project the spread for this game at Knicks -1.83; but if he plays, I make it 76ers -0.29. I think he plays, but the market doesn’t reflect that.
Historically, the spread is kind of important. Favorites down 2-0 at home in Game 3: 54-37-2 ATS (59%). Underdogs down 2-0 at home in Game 3: 40-41-1 ATS (49.4%). But, I’m going to try and buck this trend.
76ers Betting Preview: Expect Overtime in Game 3?
The Sixers were without Embiid in Game 2, and Andre Drummond and Adem Bona both wound up in foul trouble. With those two guys on the floor, the Sixers were -1 combined (-3 with Drummond, +2 with Bona). However, things fell apart when they had to go to Dominick Barlow (-6).
The matchup was actually better offensively for them without Embiid because they weren’t forcing the two-man game action and could instead just play through Paul George, VJ Edgecombe, and Tyrese Maxey on the perimeter.
Long story short (too late), if Embiid is out for this game, I’ll take the Sixers. If Embiid plays and the line moves to Sixers -3, I’ll play the Knicks moneyline.
I’ll also bet on this game to go to overtime (+1200), as I project this number inside the spread and inside one possession.
Without Anunoby, the Sixers should have an easier time scoring and, if the Knicks don’t inject Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup, Philadelphia should have an easier time on the glass.
But more than that, the Sixers found better ways to create 3-point shots in Game 2. If they keep trying to win the math game, that bends things in their favor.
I'm not betting the total, but I project this number at 220, so I lean toward the Over.
Knicks vs 76ers Picks, Best Bets
Paul George Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made
George has knocked down 3+ three-pointers in seven straight games, which includes both games in this series — and he looks super comfortable out there.
Even when Embiid played, PG found his way to this over. I’m legitimately surprised this line hasn't moved yet.
Josh Hart Over 13.5 Rebounds & Assists
Josh Hart's rebounds & assists combo prop has been one of our favorite playoff bets for multiple years running now, but the OG side of this matters most to me.
Hart has gone over this line in 10 of 14 games without Anunoby this season.
Knicks vs 76ers Game 3 Betting Predictions
- Paul George Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (-125)
- Josh Hart Over 13.5 Rebounds & Assists (-140)
- Game to Go to Overtime (+1200)
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