76ers vs Knicks props for Game 2: Trade NBA Playoffs on Kalshi

The primary storyline heading into Game 2 revolves around whether Philadelphia can compete without Joel Embiid, who has been ruled out for the contest. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will need to shoulder a much heavier offensive burden against New York's potent, balanced attack. The Knicks will rely on Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to maintain their dominant offensive form and protect home court. Read on as we break down the critical statistics, positional performances, and key factors that will decide this critical Game 2 clash.

76ers vs Knicks props for Game 2

According to the latest data-driven win probabilities, the Knicks enter Game 2 as heavy favorites. Holding a 79% chance of victory, the numbers suggest New York is well-positioned to protect their home court. Meanwhile, the 76ers face a mere 21% probability of leveling the series. This significant gap reflects New York's current momentum, the absence of Joel Embiid, and the daunting challenge awaiting Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden.

Knicks vs 76ers stats and playoff matchups

How do the two teams stack up against each other as this pivotal series continues? Based on the opener, the Knicks hold a significant advantage on both ends of the floor. New York is riding high following a decisive 137-98 victory, powered by a strong offensive showing and an explosive 41-point second quarter. Brunson led the charge with an outstanding 35 points. Philadelphia is reeling from the defeat despite a balanced performance, with George pacing the team with just 17 points.

Through one game in this series, the statistics reflect New York's early dominance. The Knicks are put up a staggering 137 points in Game 1 while shooting 63% from the field. Defensively, they stifled the 76ers, holding them to just 98 points per contest on a mere 41% shooting.

The key matchups for Game 2 will center on whether Philadelphia's top stars can match New York's firepower. Maxey will look to bounce back against the red-hot Brunson in the backcourt, while George and the 76ers' frontcourt face a physical battle against Towns and the Knicks' interior defense without Embiid to anchor the paint. If the 76ers hope to steal a game on the road, they must drastically improve their shooting efficiency and tighten their transition defense to contain New York's potent, fast-paced attack.

76ers vs Knicks injury report

• Knicks: No reported injuries
• 76ers: Joel Embiid (Out)

The Knicks enter Game 2 with a clean bill of health, while the 76ers will be without their star center Joel Embiid. His absence is a massive blow for Philadelphia, removing their most dominant interior presence and primary scoring option. The 76ers will need Tyrese Maxey and Paul George to elevate their performances significantly to compensate for Embiid's absence in this critical Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup at Madison Square Garden.

Best props for 76ers vs Knicks in Game 2

Here are three player props worth targeting for this Game 2 matchup:

1. Jalen Brunson: 25+ Points (65% on Kalshi)

Brunson erupted for 35 points in Game 1 on 12-of-18 shooting, and he's averaging 27.6 points per game this postseason with a 32.3% usage rate. The 76ers had no answer for him in the opener, and he should continue to thrive at home against a Philadelphia defense that allowed 63% shooting from the field.

2. Karl-Anthony Towns: 10+ Rebounds (67% on Kalshi)

Towns is averaging 10.6 rebounds per game this postseason and posted 6 boards in just 20 minutes during the blowout Game 1 win. With a closer contest expected in Game 2, Towns should see extended minutes and benefit from additional rebounding opportunities against a Philadelphia frontcourt that struggled to contain him on the glass.

3. Tyrese Maxey: 25+ Points (55% on Kalshi)

Maxey was held to just 13 points in Game 1 on an ugly 3-of-9 shooting night, but he's been averaging 25.1 points per game this postseason. He shot 0-of-3 from three in the opener, well below his 39.7% playoff clip. Expect a strong bounce-back performance from Maxey as he looks to reassert himself as Philadelphia's primary scoring threat.

76ers vs Knicks prediction for Game 2

The Knicks enter Game 2 riding a wave of momentum. Coming off a massive 137-98 victory over the 76ers, New York showcased a strong offensive showing that completely overwhelmed the visitors. Brunson was the catalyst in that explosive series opener, leading the charge with 35 points as the Knicks shot a blistering 63% from the field and distributed 34 assists.

While Philadelphia displayed a balanced performance in terms of point distribution, they simply lacked the top-end offensive punch to keep pace. George led the team with a modest 17 points, highlighting the need for Maxey to make a much larger impact in Game 2. Philadelphia's sluggish offense yielded just 15 assists and a 41% shooting mark from the floor, numbers that must drastically improve if they hope to steal a game on the road.

With Joel Embiid ruled out for Philadelphia, the 76ers face an even steeper uphill battle. The Knicks overwhelming advantage in playmaking, transition scoring, and rebounding makes them incredibly tough to beat at Madison Square Garden. While Philadelphia should offer a more spirited defensive effort and better shooting regression, New York's firepower and home-court energy will likely prove too much to overcome without Embiid anchoring the paint.

Expect the 76ers to keep this contest much closer than Game 1, but Brunson's elite shot-making and the Knicks' relentless pace should secure a 2-0 series lead before things shift to Philadelphia.

Prediction: Knicks 118, 76ers 106