New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions – NBA Playoff Preview | May 8, 2026

The Philadelphia 76ers host the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday, May 8. New York leads the series 1-0 after a dominant 137-98 blowout in Game 1, and the series heads to Wells Fargo Center as a near-pick’em on the moneyline.

Series Context and Odds

Philadelphia is listed at -102 on the moneyline (Polymarket), with New York at +102. The spread has the 76ers at -1.5, with the total set at 213.5. Despite dropping Game 1 by 39 points, Philadelphia’s win probability for Game 2 is modeled at 53% – home court gives them a slim edge. New York leads the Conference Semifinals 1-0.

Team Form

Philadelphia’s form shows a capable team: W vs BOS 109-100 (May 2), W vs BOS 106-93 (Apr 30), W vs BOS 113-97 (Apr 28), before a brutal 98-137 loss to the Knicks in Game 1 (May 4) and an earlier 96-128 drop vs Boston (Apr 26). The 76ers eliminated Boston in the first round. New York finished 55-31 (64%) averaging 116.3 points with a 6.3-point average margin, having swept Atlanta in the first round 3-0.

Pace and Shooting Splits

Philadelphia holds a pace advantage in this series (90.9 vs 83.1 for NYK) and shoots better from three (37.2% vs 36.3% in-series). However, New York shoots better from the line (81.6% vs 76.2%) and has the superior field goal percentage in this series (44.8% allowed by PHI vs 47.6% allowed by NYK). The Knicks’ defensive ceiling at 44.8% FG allowed is the key number.

Key Players

For New York, OG Anunoby has been exceptional – over 15 points in 5 straight, 2+ threes in 7 consecutive, and 1+ blocks in 6 straight. Karl-Anthony Towns has recorded 4+ assists in 5 consecutive games. Tyrese Maxey averages 29.0 points per game this season and is the engine for Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center.

Philadelphia’s Paul George has made 2+ threes in 7 consecutive games and 3+ in 6 of his last 6 – a consistent prop angle. Joel Embiid has gone under 1.5 threes in 5 straight, signalling he’s been pushed off the perimeter – Embiid dominating in the paint will be key to a 76ers response.

Active Prop Streaks and Milestones

OG Anunoby has made 2+ threes in 7 straight, recorded 1+ blocks in 6 consecutive games, and scored 15+ in 5 of his last 5 – one of the hottest two-way runs in the playoffs. Paul George has hit 2+ threes in 7 straight and 3+ in 6 of his last 6. Josh Hart (NYK) has gone under 9.5 rebounds in 5 consecutive games (avg 7.2 L5). Karl-Anthony Towns has 4+ assists in 5 straight. Kelly Oubre Jr. (PHI) has gone under 1.5 threes in 6 consecutive games.

Injuries

No injury concerns reported for either team. Both New York and Philadelphia are expected at full strength for Game 2.

Prediction

Philadelphia will not lose by 39 twice. The 76ers won three straight vs Boston before Game 1 and home court at Wells Fargo Center matters in these playoffs. At -1.5, Philly is a marginal home edge. Game 2 should be far tighter – the Knicks have the better offensive ceiling but Embiid at full strength in the paint is a different challenge. Check the full Statz game preview for live model outputs and prop data. Build your bets with the Statz Bet Builder Tool. See all NBA playoff fixtures, the Knicks team page, and the 76ers team page on Statz.