Game Preview: Knicks vs. 76ers, January 3, 2026

SB Nation

After spinning their wheels in the mud against the Hawks last night, the New York Knicks (23*-11) are back in action tonight, taking on the Philadelphia 76ers (18-14).

The Knicks sit two games behind the

Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference, while the Sixers rank fifth. Last night’s effort at Madison Square Garden ended in 111-99 loss, despite New York cutting a 26-point deficit to nine in the fourth quarter. Missing three rotational players—Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson—left them too shorthanded against a respectable Quin Snyder squad. Meanwhile, Philly is coming off a 123-108 win in Dallas on New Year’s Day.

The Knicks and Cheesesteaks last squared off on December 19, when the Knicks ran out of gas late, scored just 20 points in the final period, and lost 116-107.

The Pennsylvanians profile as almost exactly league average on both ends. They score 116.6 points per game, ranking 15th, with an offensive rating of 115.2 that places them 18th. Defensively, they allow 116 points per game and post a 114.7 defensive rating (13th).

Their leader, Tyrese Maxey averages 30.9 points and 7.2 assists per game, and ranks third in the league in scoring. In the last game against New York, he posted 30 points, nine assists, and hit 6-of-10 from deep. Rookie-of-the-year candidate VJ Edgecombe logged 23 points, two steals, and a block, while also hitting 60% from beyond the arc. And Andre Drummond, filling in for Joel Embiid, recorded a 14-13 double-double. The big fella from Mount Vernon ALSO hit 3-of-4 from deep . . . the rim was ocean-sized for Philly that night.

On the injury report, Embiid is listed as a game-time decision with a knee issue, while Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Trendon Watford (thigh) remain out. For the New York Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns (illness), Mitchell Robinson (ankle), and Landry Shamet (shoulder) are all game-time decisions, while Josh Hart (ankle) is not expected to return until January 11.

OG Anunoby started the season with beautiful three-point efficiency, hitting 41% from deep through his first 18 games. The game against the Sixers started a serious shooting slump for him, however. In his last seven games, he has made 7-of-38 from downtown, or 18%. During that stretch, he averaged 13.4 points, six rebounds, and two assists, and totaled 11 steals and seven blocks—all-in-all not terrible, but his total +/- was a -34. Tonight’s rematch would be a perfect time to bust outta that slump, Ogugua!

Prediction

ESPN.com likes the Knicks at 65%. Maybe . . . depends on who plays. The undermanned team that lost to the Hawks tonight would have difficulty keeping up with Nick Nurse band of merry band of Ben Franklins. If Towns recovers from what ails him and Mitch’s ankle is good to go, pencil in the W. (We’d love to see the return of Shamet, too, for the bench production and the emotional uplift.) If the Knicks are understaffed in the frontcourt again, and shoot as badly as they did last night (9-of-42, 21%), this game could be a nauseating affair.

The Knicks have lost three consecutive games only once this season, and, presently, are on only their second two-game losing streak. Cap doesn’t like to lose. Look for Brunson to leave it all on the floor tonight and, with the MSG crowd at his back, pulling out a win in the clutch. It’s his sobriquet, after all. Knicks by 2.