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New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Playoffs Preview & Predictions
Cyro Asseo breaks down the 2026 NBA Playoffs second-round matchup
between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks enter as the favorites after a dominant first-round showing
and a stronger full-season profile. New York finished 53–29 with a top-3
offense (119.8 ORtg) and top-7 defense, then followed it up with a
122.0 offensive rating against Atlanta. Meanwhile, Philadelphia advanced
despite offensive inconsistency, averaging just 102.8 points per game
against Boston.
Cyro explains why Jalen Brunson remains the engine of this series. He
averaged 26.3 points and 6.2 assists in Round 1 and continues to control
tempo, generate late-clock offense, and anchor New York’s half-court
execution.
The biggest swing piece for New York is OG Anunoby. He was elite against
Atlanta, putting up 21.5 points on 61.1% shooting and 56.7% from three.
If he maintains that efficiency while defending at a high level, the
Knicks become extremely difficult to scheme against.
Karl-Anthony Towns adds another layer with his passing and rebounding.
His 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in Round 1 give New York
a second offensive hub and a major advantage in controlling
possessions.
For Philadelphia, everything hinges on Joel Embiid. Even in limited
action, he averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. If he’s
healthy and playing full minutes, the Sixers’ ceiling changes
completely.
Tyrese Maxey remains the primary offensive driver, averaging 26.3 points
and 6.5 assists while shooting 41.2% from three in the first round.
Paul George adds elite shot-making, hitting 54.3% from deep, while VJ
Edgecombe provides athleticism and energy as a rookie contributor.
X-Factors
Knicks
OG Anunoby — elite two-way efficiency
Karl-Anthony Towns — playmaking + rebounding control
Mitchell Robinson — second-chance impact off the bench
Miles McBride / Jose Alvarado — guard pressure on Maxey
76ers
Joel Embiid — health determines ceiling
Tyrese Maxey — must match Brunson’s production
Paul George — perimeter shot-making swing
VJ Edgecombe — rookie impact and athleticism
Projected 10-Man Rotation
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson
Mikal Bridges
OG Anunoby
Josh Hart
Karl-Anthony Towns
Miles McBride
Jordan Clarkson
Mitchell Robinson
Jose Alvarado
Landry Shamet
Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey
VJ Edgecombe
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Paul George
Joel Embiid
Quentin Grimes
Andre Drummond
Adem Bona
Justin Edwards
Dominick Barlow
Cyro breaks down why New York’s depth, offensive structure, and two-way
balance give them the edge over a Philadelphia team that relies heavily
on star-level shot-making.
Prediction: Knicks in 6
The 76ers have a real upset path if Embiid is healthy and Maxey/George
stay efficient, but New York’s consistency, defense, and half-court
execution should carry the series.
Catch the full playoff breakdown and stay locked in for more NBA
coverage.
#knicks #76ers #nba #nbaplayoffs #cyroasseo #hoopshype #nbanews #nbapreview #knicksvs76ers #nba2026
00:00 - Series Preview & Intro
01:49 - Why the Knicks are the Favorites
03:22 - Jalen Brunson: The Knicks' Engine
04:03 - OG Anunoby: The Ultimate Swing Piece
04:38 - Karl-Anthony Towns: The X-Factor Advantage
05:45 - The 76ers' Best Counter: Star Shot-Making
06:21 - Philadelphia's Biggest Issue: Consistency
07:23 - Key Matchups & X-Factors
08:35 - Joel Embiid's Health & The 76ers' Path to Victory
10:35 - Final Series Prediction
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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By Cyro AsseoCyro Asseo breaks down the 2026 NBA Playoffs second-round matchup
between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks enter as the favorites after a dominant first-round showing
and a stronger full-season profile. New York finished 53–29 with a top-3
offense (119.8 ORtg) and top-7 defense, then followed it up with a
122.0 offensive rating against Atlanta. Meanwhile, Philadelphia advanced
despite offensive inconsistency, averaging just 102.8 points per game
against Boston.
Cyro explains why Jalen Brunson remains the engine of this series. He
averaged 26.3 points and 6.2 assists in Round 1 and continues to control
tempo, generate late-clock offense, and anchor New York’s half-court
execution.
The biggest swing piece for New York is OG Anunoby. He was elite against
Atlanta, putting up 21.5 points on 61.1% shooting and 56.7% from three.
If he maintains that efficiency while defending at a high level, the
Knicks become extremely difficult to scheme against.
Karl-Anthony Towns adds another layer with his passing and rebounding.
His 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in Round 1 give New York
a second offensive hub and a major advantage in controlling
possessions.
For Philadelphia, everything hinges on Joel Embiid. Even in limited
action, he averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. If he’s
healthy and playing full minutes, the Sixers’ ceiling changes
completely.
Tyrese Maxey remains the primary offensive driver, averaging 26.3 points
and 6.5 assists while shooting 41.2% from three in the first round.
Paul George adds elite shot-making, hitting 54.3% from deep, while VJ
Edgecombe provides athleticism and energy as a rookie contributor.
X-Factors
Knicks
OG Anunoby — elite two-way efficiency
Karl-Anthony Towns — playmaking + rebounding control
Mitchell Robinson — second-chance impact off the bench
Miles McBride / Jose Alvarado — guard pressure on Maxey
76ers
Joel Embiid — health determines ceiling
Tyrese Maxey — must match Brunson’s production
Paul George — perimeter shot-making swing
VJ Edgecombe — rookie impact and athleticism
Projected 10-Man Rotation
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson
Mikal Bridges
OG Anunoby
Josh Hart
Karl-Anthony Towns
Miles McBride
Jordan Clarkson
Mitchell Robinson
Jose Alvarado
Landry Shamet
Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey
VJ Edgecombe
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Paul George
Joel Embiid
Quentin Grimes
Andre Drummond
Adem Bona
Justin Edwards
Dominick Barlow
Cyro breaks down why New York’s depth, offensive structure, and two-way
balance give them the edge over a Philadelphia team that relies heavily
on star-level shot-making.
Prediction: Knicks in 6
The 76ers have a real upset path if Embiid is healthy and Maxey/George
stay efficient, but New York’s consistency, defense, and half-court
execution should carry the series.
Catch the full playoff breakdown and stay locked in for more NBA
coverage.
#knicks #76ers #nba #nbaplayoffs #cyroasseo #hoopshype #nbanews #nbapreview #knicksvs76ers #nba2026
00:00 - Series Preview & Intro
01:49 - Why the Knicks are the Favorites
03:22 - Jalen Brunson: The Knicks' Engine
04:03 - OG Anunoby: The Ultimate Swing Piece
04:38 - Karl-Anthony Towns: The X-Factor Advantage
05:45 - The 76ers' Best Counter: Star Shot-Making
06:21 - Philadelphia's Biggest Issue: Consistency
07:23 - Key Matchups & X-Factors
08:35 - Joel Embiid's Health & The 76ers' Path to Victory
10:35 - Final Series Prediction
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices