Knicks Host Worn-Down Sixers in Game 1
Philadelphia's historic upset of Boston earns them a rematch — and a red-eye to Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks opened their second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, holding every rest advantage on the board. Philadelphia arrived straight from Boston, where they closed out a Game 7 win that made NBA history and left the roster with no days off before tipoff.
The 76ers became just the eighth team in NBA history to knock off a 2-seed as a 7-seed, completing a 3-1 series comeback against the Celtics. The cinematic run earned them this second-round berth but cost them legs, depth and turnaround time.
New York last played Thursday and enters the series fresh, with a rotation and bench that 76ers coach Nick Nurse publicly acknowledged as formidable. The Knicks also bring a memory advantage — they beat Philadelphia in six games in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, a series the Sixers haven't forgoten.
Game 1 at MSG sets the tone for how much Philadelphia's momentum from Boston can offset the phyiscal deficit. If the 76ers steal one in New York, this series changes shape entirely.