My 76ers vs. Knicks prediction backs New York to pick up where it left off, covering against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers in tonight's season opener.
For the first time since 1973, the Knicks enter a season as defending champions, and they'll look to keep their magical run rolling at Madison Square Garden.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Peacock. Here's why I'm backing the champs in my latest NBA picks for Tuesday, Oct. 20.
TOP PICK
76ers vs Knicks prediction: Knicks -4.5
I'd prefer the New York Knicks giving points, but I'll stick with them up to 54%.
The Philadelphia 76ers added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown over the offseason while creating a superteam. That strategy earns headlines, but it hasn't been paying off in recent seasons. Since LeBron led the Lakers to a COVID-19 bubble title in 2020, every champion has featured a primarily homegrown core rather than leaning on sexy acquisitions.
The Sixers struggled with offense in the preseason, ranking 27th in the league while losing three of four. Brown and Joel Embiid both posted career-low usage rates, and that was with LeBron averaging single digits and going pass first.
With the stat lines now counting, the Sixers' stars could have more trouble gelling. The Knicks, meanwhile, return nearly their entire rotation from last year's team, which became better throughout the season.
COVERS INTEL: Jaylen Brown's usage rate of 26.2 in the preseason would be his lowest since 2019-20, and more than eight points lower than last year's rate. Joel Embiid's 28.8 would be four points below his previous career low.
76ers vs Knicks combo
Both teams have been struggling defensively in the preseason. The Knicks allowed an average of 124.2 points in five preseason games, the most in the league by nearly two points. Toronto hit 50% from the field in its preseason game against New York, and Minnesota hit 50% from 3-point range. The Sixers weren't much better on D, allowing 120.0 points.
Philadelphia is likely to play uptempo to get James and Tyrese Maxey the chance to create in open space. The Sixers were 15th in the league in tempo last year and should pick that up this season, which means more points in the opener.
The Knicks produced plenty of dramatic comebacks in their run to the title last year. That's because they got off to slow starts regularly, a trend that's continued in the preseason. The wild offseason of battling off-court attention and demands could also lead to a sluggish start for New York.
76ers vs Knicks combo
- Knicks -4.5
- Over 231.5
- Sixers first half +2.5
76ers vs Knicks player props
76ers player prop: Joel Embiid Over 7.5 rebounds
The Sixers' big man put up 11 rebounds in 53 preseason minutes, which averages out to 10.0 per 48. That's down slightly from last season but still puts him on pace to get 8+ in the opener against a Knicks team now without backup center Mitchell Robinson.
Embiid will likely have trouble getting touches in a faster-paced Sixers offense. So he'll make his impact on the boards while trying to fit into the revamped roster.
Knicks player prop: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
The Knicks' biggest star was in demand all offseason, but he'll be ready to take the spotlight in the opener. Jalen Brunson scored 40 points in 51 minutes during the preseason, a 37.6-point average over 48 minutes that was higher than last season's scoring average (35.7 per 48).
Brunson hit 40% of his preseason threes, which was better than last season's shooting percentage, and his overall accuracy from the field was on par with last season's production.
- Top picks: 0-0, +0.0 units
- Combos: 0-0, +0.0 units
76ers vs Knicks odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: 76ers +4.5 (49%) | Knicks -4.5 (52%)
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 (52%) | Under 231.5 (50%)
- Moneyline: 76ers 39%| Knicks 62%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
76ers vs Knicks trend
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Knicks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games as a favorite. Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch 76ers vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Date | Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 |
| Tip off | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
76ers vs Knicks latest injuries
Check out our NBA injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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