On Sunday, the Knicks won’t have to deal with reigning Philadelphia MVP Joel Embiid and potentially Tyrese Maxey, as Stefan Bondy of the New York Post shared:
“The situation of Tyrese Maxey, who has missed the last three games with a concussion, is up in the air for Sunday, but Nurse seemed optimistic about his All-Star’s availability, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer,” Bondy said.
“They are fourth in the East but only two games ahead of the No. 1 Sixers. 7 (35-28), who are an X-factor in the playoffs due to the possible return of Embiid, but are trying to avoid the play-in tournament.”
The 76ers have lost three straight games and continue to play at No. 7 in the East. However, in that time, they are averaging third-chance points (17.7 points) per game and receiving strong play from their frontcourt.
The Knicks will need Precious Achiuwa and Isaiah Hartenstein to contain the Sixers’ interior. This will help them capitalize on the 61 excess points that will remain for the remaining lineup to make up.