2026 NBA Playoffs: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Game 3 Best Bets, Player Props & Predictions (May 8)

The Philadelphia 76ers will try to turn things around in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series vs. the New York Knicks now that they are back home in the City of Brotherly Love for Game 3 tonight. After putting up such a good fight in Game 2, it’s not surprising to see the 76ers as 1.5-point home favorites.

Joel Embiid’s absence didn’t end up having a negative impact on the 76ers in Game 2. However, in Game 3, a couple of injuries could certainly impact who wins this pivotal matchup. Let’s take a look at the odds for tonight’s contest between the Knicks and 76ers and assess how these injuries could factor into the final outcome.

(Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)

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NBA Playoff Best Bets: New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Odds & Prediction)

• Spread: New York Knicks +1.5 (-105) | Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: New York Knicks +110 | Philadelphia 76ers -130
• Total: O/U 213.5 (-110/-110)

Odds via Caesars Sportsbook

As crazy as the notion of “no Embiid, no problem” sounds, it was almost true in Game 2 Tuesday night. After getting blown out in Game 1 and with Embiid sidelined, the outlook was bleak for the 76ers. But they put an incredible fight in a game that saw 25 lead changes and 14 ties.

With Embiid out, it was vital that at least Tyrese Maxey step up to fill the scoring void. While he did (going from 13 points in Game 1 to 26 in Games 2), he was not alone as Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and VJ Edgecombe all scored more than they did in Game 1.

Officially, Embiid is listed as a game-time decision (questionable) for tonight. It would be better to have him, of course, but the 76ers know they can win without him after how Game 2 played out.

As for the Knicks, while they have three players on the injury report listed as game-time decisions, the one everyone will be paying close attention to is OG Anunoby. He left late in the game Wednesday night with an undisclosed injury, which has since been identified as a right hamstring strain.

He is considered questionable and is listed as a game-time decision.

Anunoby averaged 16.5 points per game during the regular season but has been chipping in 21+ per game in the postseason. However, if he were to sit, the team would miss his defensive presence the most.

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My Pick: Knicks ML at +110 (Caesars)

Playing at home tends to give teams a boost, but it certainly didn’t help the 76ers in the first round as they lost two of three vs. the Celtics in Philly. But given the perception of a home-court advantage and the injuries the Knicks are dealing with, it makes sense to have Philadelphia favored.

However, what that does is give bettors a chance to take advantage of plus money odds on New York.

The big question mark here is not so much Anunoby’s status but Embiid’s. Philly went 21-23 in games without him this season; a sub-.500 team is not going to beat this Knicks team. Of course, if Anunoby is out, the Knicks will miss him. But they fared better without him during the season (8-7) than the 76ers did without Embiid.

I don’t see this game being decided by a single basket, so taking the points isn't the way to go. Check the injury status of Embiid and Anunoby before playing your bet. If Embiid is indeed out again, take the Kicks to win outright (regardless of Anunoby’s status).

NBA Playoffs Best Bets: Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3 Player Props

Odds via bet365

• Paul George, Over 16.5 Points +102

George has gone over this total in both games vs. the Knicks and in six of nine postseason games. In an effort to keep from falling into a 3-0 hole, I expect more from the 76ers in general. But Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid (if he plays) will get the bulk of the attention from the Knicks defense. Consequently, George should see a few more open shots and have a solid chance at going over this total again.

• Karl-Anthony Towns, Under 37.5 Pts +Reb + Ast -112

This is a doable number for him. He has gone over it 29 times this season, but he has also gone under that mark in 54. In postseason play, he has gone over it just twice in eight games. He has gone over it once in six tries vs. the 76ers this season.

• VJ Edgecombe, Over 13.5 Points at -115

Edgecombe averaged 16 points per game in the regular season but has averaged closer to 15 in the postseason. He had 12 and 17 against the Knicks in Games 1 and 2. The 17 was with Embiid out of the lineup. He has gone over this mark in three of his last five games, but in just four of his last eight.

If Embiid sits again, the 76ers will need Edgecombe to score to keep the game competitive. Should Embiid play, it’s still possible, but a little less likely.