Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Game 5 Odds, and Picks (Apr 30)

• The 76ers came up just short at home in Game 4, losing by a score of 97-92.
• New York’s strong 4th-quarter play led them to victory and a 3-1 series lead.
• The Knicks now hold a 6-2 record against the 76ers on the season as a whole.

The NBA postseason is in full swing! This first-round series between the 76ers and Knicks has reached an elimination game for Philadelphia. While the Knicks can close the series out and advance with a win, the 76ers need three in a row to stay alive.

How to Watch

• TNT

Preview

Philadelphia fell behind 3-1 following a 97-92 defeat in Game 4. After exploding for 50 points in Game 3, reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid struggled in Sunday’s defeat. He shot just 7-19 from the field in 44 minutes played, looking especially sluggish in the 4th quarter. Embiid’s knee has to be ailing him after another long game. Tyrese Maxey, who shot 8-21 in Sunday’s loss, will be tasked with picking up some of the slack on offense if Embiid is not fully healthy. They will both be key to the 76ers success in Game 5.

The Knicks have an opportunity to close this series out and advance on Tuesday. After struggling mightily in the first two games at home, Jalen Brunson came alive in Philly, scoring 86 points in Games 3 and 4. He broke the Knicks franchise record for points in a playoff game set by Bernard King at 46, totaling 47 in the Game 4 victory. If Brunson continues to play at a high level, New York will be tough to take down in a 7-game series. However, when he struggles, the Knicks offense becomes very vulnerable.

Prediction

The Knicks are favored by a decent margin to win Game 5 and advance, which was my initial prediction. However, after watching the first four games of this series, I am more inclined to thing that it will drag on. Philadelphia may be gassed and check out, but if they continue to fight back they could easily win here and extend the series to 6 or 7 games. I’d pay attention to the Knicks offense, which has struggled outside of Jalen Brunson.

NBA Picks

• 76ers 103, Knicks 98 (PHI +140)