NBA Playoffs 2026: What will Knicks-76ers decide in Game 3 and beyond?

As the semi-finals of the NBA’s Eastern Conference New York Knicks And Philadelphia 76ers Heading up Interstate 95 for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday, there’s plenty to dissect.

There Philadelphia, looking to recover from a second straight 2-0 deficit against a division rival, came back from 3-1. Boston Celtics There are health questions on both sides in the first round: 76ers center Joel Embiid (Hip, Ankle) and Nix Wing and Anunobi (hamstring) and guard Josh Hart (Finger) Doubtful for Game 3. Mitchell RobinsonWho missed Game 2 with an illness, presumably.

And then there are the crowds. Two years ago, three games in the first round in Philadelphia felt like Knicks home games for a significant stretch — so much so that Embiid publicly urged home fans not to sell their tickets and let Knicks fans into Xfinity Mobile Arena this weekend.

It all makes for what should be two fun games between two of the league’s oldest franchises. Will the Knicks stay hot? Can Philly get on board? Here are five things to watch for in Game 3 and beyond

---

What did we learn through the two games of Knicks-76ers?

Bontemps: That performance against New York Atlanta Hawks Wasn’t a fluke. After losing Games 4, 5 and 6 of their first-round series by a combined two points in Games 2 and 3, the Knicks endured in record fashion to finish the series by blowing out the Hawks the rest of the way.

The Knicks had another great showing earlier in Game 1 against Philadelphia Jalen BrunsonIts clutch shotmaking proved to be the difference in Game 2’s closing minutes. So far, the Knicks have clearly been the class of the Eastern playoffs, and pending Anunoby’s status should be the clear favorites to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

Regards: Did it feel like the Knicks were waiting to unleash this new brand of offense later? For in the desperate times they might have lived, the offense must have been smooth, as they had practiced it for some time. Karl-Anthony Towns His best Sabonis impression to pass (Arvidas or Domantas, take your pick) and not be a 25-point scorer to be effective is certainly a revelation.

If nothing else, the Knicks are keeping Brunson from wearing out late in games. Compare that with Tyrese Maxey And VJ EdgecombThose who watched out of the gas in the final six minutes of Game 2 couldn’t contain the speed and athleticism on the verge of stealing home-court advantage Wednesday night.

---

How might the series change if Anunoby misses time?

Regards: The Knicks are reasonably healthy this season and are the only remaining playoff team with five starters finishing with at least 65 games played. It speaks to consistency, and what Anunoby brings — cutting, skill, shooting, first-team-worthy defense — one player cannot replace.

With Anunoby listed every day, when the games are every day, the Knicks have to be careful. In the 2024 playoffs, Anunoby had a hamstring strain that cost him the entirety of the second round. Indiana Pacers before trying to come back in Game 7 of that series.

New York can be patient with a 2-0 lead in the series. But if Anunoby’s injury worsens and he misses an extended period of time, the Knicks aren’t coming out of the East. Their offense doesn’t work without his chemistry with Towns and their defense falls apart. It seems wise to give him at least five days off.

Bontemps: Anunoby’s status is the most important question in the series — even more so than Embiid’s. Anunoby is New York’s best player and one of the best so far in the playoffs.

He’s a weapon that Philadelphia doesn’t have a clear answer on either end of the court, thanks to his impressive combination of size, strength and speed.

It may not show on TV, but anyone who has been around Anunobi in person can tell you how physically demanding he is. Philadelphia, a relatively small team outside of big men Embiid and Andre DrummondThere is no one who can mess with Anunobi’s physicality. We’ve seen teams use “questionable” liberally in these playoffs (for example, Aaron Gordon, Emmanuel Quickley And Franz Wagner), so that the surname can be difficult to decipher from the nix.

---

Can cities stay out of bad trouble?

Bontemps: The initial return is a resounding “no.” It was interesting to see Towns guarding Embiid to start Game 1, a tactic that seemed like a recipe for disaster when Towns immediately picked up two in the first five minutes. Towns has been great in these playoffs but must be on the court to make an impact. As long as Maxey and Embiid continue to attack cities, this problem won’t go away for New York.

Regards: No, and the Knicks do a better job of getting around it. In eight playoff games, Towns has committed at least four fouls in five of them. That’s a big reason why the 76ers’ offense has made weakening Towns its No. 1 priority Towns has only played 34 minutes twice so far, so coach Mike Brown knows he has to platoon Towns with Robinson.

Although Towns is prone to silly fouls, he is an underrated rim protector. Sixers coach Nick Nurse would be wise to keep Towns in every pick-and-roll in Game 3, as opposed to only posting Embiid. Let the cities decide in space and see how the Knicks roll.

---

Where could Embiid’s return make the biggest difference?

Regards: We’re guessing a lot when it comes to Embiid’s mobility, if he’s out at all. Towns took advantage of the space Embiid provided to launch a few 3s. With Embiid off, the cities drive with ease.

Since Towns has proven to be more of a contributor than a volume scorer in the Knicks’ playoff offense, keeping Embiid at or near the rim — both to conserve his limited energy and reduce the risk of engaging in too many pick-and-rolls — might be the best use of his time.

The 76ers shouldn’t dump as much on him in the series against Boston. Embiid can score from anywhere, so use him to free up space for Maxey, Edgecombe and more Paul George That means they won’t lack for goals.

Bontemps: Embiid’s biggest impact may be that defensive presence at the rim. He had plenty of success on that end against Boston throughout Philadelphia’s series comeback, and the 76ers simply weren’t the same defensive unit through two games. The Knicks are shooting 42-for-61 (68.8%) in the restricted area through the first two games. Drummond has particularly struggled as a rim protector while soaking up a lot of Embiid’s minutes.

Another obvious way Embiid could help is to give Philadelphia another offensive option outside of Maxey. Aside from Embiid, Maxey played all but 72 seconds in Game 2. It’s just not sustainable. Philly can spend several minutes, especially early in each half, dumping the ball on Embiid to get baskets, draw fouls and slow the game down.

---

What is the biggest thing you see moving forward in the series?

Bontemps: What will be the role of Robinson? It’s a bit surprising how little he’s done in these playoffs. He played just 13 minutes per game, and Brown worked quickly to bench him whenever the “hack-a” strategy was employed, first by Hawks coach Quin Snyder in the first round and then by Nurse in Game 1.

With Anunoby missing Game 3, it will be interesting to see if Brown gets Robinson more involved by slotting him into a larger starting lineup. Robinson can guard Embiid, potentially limiting Town’s foul problems. The move allows Robinson to stay in the game early in quarters and limits the utility of sending the 50.8% career free throw shooter to the line.

Philly’s minute totals will also be interesting as this series unfolds. Nurse has always played his guys a lot of minutes, but coming off a seven-game series, and with Embiid’s status uncertain, it remains to be seen if that’s a sustainable strategy with games coming every other day for the next week-plus.

Regards: Paul George. In theory, he should be fresher than most in this series. It’s not a cheap shot given his 25-game suspension. He simply does not have a full season of wear and tear. And before the Knicks’ physicality got to him in Game 2, George reminded the league that he can get to the hitter. He was 5-for-9 in the first half, including three 3s. Perhaps that’s too much faith in a 36-year-old with a history of postseason letdowns. But he was very efficient in his first playoffs as a 76er (47.9% from the field, 52.5% from 3.) If Anunoby misses any time, the door opens for George to take on a more primary role in the offense.

George’s minutes have been depleted since the regular season, so he can feel that with every day’s schedule. But given all the 76ers’ other questions, and with Game 3 a must-win, would it be wise to empty the tank with George as well?