76ers favorite in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs with Embiid back and Anunoby out

I posted a MAX piece about this series before it started. This is the first time I’ve done that and honestly, my record for MAX plays in the NBA over the last three years is something like 8-1. The only loss was an unsuccessful regular season future. So when I feel like it should be a MAX play, I usually hit. I won’t say I’m nervous about this, but I can’t say I feel good about the Knicks being up 2-0 on the 76ers right now, considering I need this to last six games.

The New York Knicks look like one of the two best teams in the NBA Playoffs. They have a deep team that is actually healthy when necessary, and they haven’t been knocked down all season by a coach who is hell-bent on winning regular season games. Honestly, I don’t think Mike Brown has done anything transformative with this team, and I would say there isn’t much difference with the team other than more depth than last season.

Still, in four wins against the Hawks, they showed they were clearly the better team. Even in the two losses, they seemed to be the better team, losing both games by one point, with chances to win on the final possession in both games. The biggest problem for me is that OG Anunoby will probably miss this game. While it appears to be a minor hamstring strain, it makes more sense for the team to let him rest for one game and then bring him back. That’s very similar to the strategy the 76ers took with Joel Embiid.

Of the two teams, the Philadelphia 76ers are much more accustomed to playing without key players than the Knicks. Embiid misses more games than he plays and Paul George was suspended this season. This opens the door for the 76ers to get a win in the game. They were not elite at home during the regular season and only won one of three home playoff games in the postseason. However, this is a matter of life and death for them. They need to win this game. What adjustments can they make?

THE 76ERS VS KNICKS SECOND ROUND SERIES IS PREDICTED TO FEATURE AT LEAST SIX GAMES IN A MUST-SEE NBA GAME

Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during Game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 30, 2024. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images)

If Anunoby is out, the 76ers have two leads in Game 2. Embiid will return and give them a boost, and the Knicks will lose one of their best defenders and someone who has been a reliable scorer this postseason. Tyrese Maxey hasn’t had a game where he’s completely taken control; Game 2 looked like it would be, but the pace slowed in the second half and ultimately the 76ers lost a game they should have won. Expect Maxey and Embiid to play well today and for the Philadelphia faithful to have the arena rocking.

OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrates a shot during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 30, 2024. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Combine a Knicks team that took a minor hit (but one they need to be careful with) with the return of a Philadelphia superstar and the team’s return home, and you have a great recipe for a 76ers win. Maybe I’m a fool for betting on them to win the game when I already have a big bet on them to win two games in the series. However, this is one they must win to have any hope. If they lose this, a sweep is all too realistic.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP

If you’ve already bet more than 5.5 games, like I did, you can bet one unit on the Knicks to try to get some money back. However, it’s probably too early to start looking for coverage. I hope the 76ers are rejuvenated, ready to fight, and have the advantage in this one. Give me Philadelphia to cover the -1.5. I highly recommend you keep an eye on the injury report before moving forward.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com

For more information on sports betting and gambling, follow David on X/Twitter: @futuroprez2024