New York Knicks (37-20) vs Philadelphia 76ers (20-37)
Game Info: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Madison Square Garden)
Betting Odds: New York Knicks -10 -- Over/Under: 230.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN
The New York Knicks are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks, with a 37-20 record, currently hold the third spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite their strong standing, recent analyses highlight areas for improvement, particularly on defense. Analysts Tim Legler and Greg Anthony have pointed out that the Knicks struggle to match the defensive pressure and team speed of the NBA's elite teams, emphasizing the need for enhanced defensive commitment and athleticism.
The Philadelphia 76ers, currently at 20-37, are positioned 12th in the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Maxey leads the team with an average of 27.1 points per game, ranking fifth in the league. In their recent matchup against the Chicago Bulls, the 76ers faced a challenging game, shooting 38.9% from the field and converting 10 of their 40 three-point attempts, resulting in a 142-110 loss.
Paul George Under 5.5 Rebounds
Paul George has played 38 games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 5.2 rebounds per game. His total rebound count stands at 196, with an average of 0.6 offensive rebounds and 4.6 defensive rebounds per game. Throughout the season, George has faced injuries impacting his playtime. In November 2024, he suffered a bone bruise in his left knee, causing him to miss at least two games. Later, in January 2025, he was diagnosed with an extensor tendon injury in his left pinkie finger, leading to additional missed games.
When we look at George’s rebounding numbers they’ve been very inconsistent. He’s only secured over 5 boards in two of his last 8 games. He has a tough matchup going against this Knicks team who are giving up just 48.9 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the fewest in the league.
Karl Anthony Towns Over 23.5 Points
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a pivotal player for the New York Knicks during the 2024-25 NBA season. In 52 games, he has averaged 24.8 points per game, ranking 13th in the league. His scoring efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 53.2%, placing him 22nd among all players. Additionally, Towns has demonstrated proficiency from beyond the arc, making 2.1 three-pointers per game at a 43.2% success rate.
Towns' offensive contributions have been instrumental in the Knicks' success this season. We’ve seen him score 23 or more points in his last 5 games. In that span, he had a 40-point game against the Pacers and a 44-point game against the Hawks. Without Embid in the lineup, I don’t see who's going to stop Towns in the paint.
Tyrese Maxey Over 29.5 Points
Tyrese Maxey has been a standout performer for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2024-25 NBA season. He is currently averaging 27.1 points per game, ranking him 5th in the league. Maxey's scoring efficiency is impressive, with a field goal percentage of 44.7%. Additionally, he contributes 3.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, showcasing his versatility on the court.
We’ve seen Maxey have a couple of quiet nights scoring the ball since returning back from the all-star break but I think he bounces back in this one. We saw when Embiid was out earlier this season Maxey was having monstrous games night after night. If the Sixers want to stay in this game Maxey will need to score at least 30 points.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
