Five questions that will decide Knicks-76ers Game ...
Key takeaways
- There's Philadelphia looking to dig out of a second straight 2-0 deficit against a division rival, having come back from 3-1 against the Boston Celtics in the first round.
- All of it shapes up for what should be two fun games between two of the league's oldest franchises.
- Bontemps: That New York's performance against the Atlanta Hawks wasn't a fluke.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
There's Philadelphia looking to dig out of a second straight 2-0 deficit against a division rival, having come back from 3-1 against the Boston Celtics in the first round. There are health questions on both sides: 76ers center Joel Embiid (hip, ankle) and Knicks wing OG Anunoby (hamstring) and guard Josh Hart (thumb) are questionable for Game 3. Mitchell Robinson, who missed Game 2 with an illness, is probable.
And then there's the crowd. Two years ago, the three games played in Philadelphia during the first round felt like Knicks home games for significant stretches -- so much so that Embiid publicly implored home fans to not sell their tickets and let Knicks fans into Xfinity Mobile Arena this weekend.
All of it shapes up for what should be two fun games between two of the league's oldest franchises. Will the Knicks stay hot? Can Philly get on the board? Here are five things to watch in Game 3 and beyond.