76ers vs Knicks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Monday’s NBA Playoffs Game 1

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Down 3-1, the Philadelphia 76ers completed an improbable comeback against the Boston Celtics, winning the decisive Game 7 at TD Garden on Saturday.

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Joel Embiid was a beast in Games 4-7 of the series, and my 76ers vs. Knicks predictions expect him to keep rolling as an old rivalry with Karl-Anthony Towns is renewed.

Here are my free NBA picks for May 4.

76ers vs Knicks Game 1 prediction

76ers vs Knicks best bet: Joel Embiid Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)

For as good as the Philadelphia 76ers are with Tyrese Maxey leading the way, the team’s play on the offensive side of the court gets a noticeable boost when Joel Embiid is available.

During the regular season, Philly’s offensive rating was a mediocre 112.9 with Embiid on the sideline. With Embiid available, the 76ers’ offensive rating soared to 118.5, a mark that would have been fifth-best on the season.

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Joel Embiid has averaged a healthy 44 PRA since returning in the playoffs, hitting the Over on this combo line in three of four games. In 11 career games at Madison Square Garden, Embiid has gone for 41+ PRA eight times.

Joel Embiid will also likely need to do more if he wants to lead his team to victory. The New York Knicks have multiple capable defenders to throw at Maxey, but their defensive depth down low isn’t as deep.

With Philly’s point guard locked up, its big man will have to do more of the heavy lifting.

Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns also have an old rivalry dating back to 2019, and the Sixers center has found success against the opposing big man. He’s averaged 41 PRA in 14 career matchups with Towns, hitting the Over on this line eight times.

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Riding high from a 34/12/6 performance in Game 7 and playing against a heated rival, I expect Embiid to be at his best and deliver another big playoff performance.

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COVERS INTEL:

Joel Embiid averaged 16 rebounds + assists vs. the Celtics.

76ers vs Knicks Game 1 same-game parlay

At 27-18, the Sixers sport the second-best road record against the spread.

The Knicks may have…


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Publish date : 2026-05-03 21:00:00

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