Yesterday’s Results for Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks

VW'S NBA OPENING ROUND CONF TOTAL OF THE YEAR

Analysis: The New York Knicks showed some resiliency in Saturday’s first-round win over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. I expect the Knicks to come back with that same energy when the pair meet tonight at Madison Square Garden for Game 2. The Knicks gave up a double-digit third-quarter lead only to fight back for a three-point win. Jalen Brunson has been a handful of late, scoring 30 or more points in 18 of his last 20 games, including four contests where he went for 40-plus. Quite frankly, now that we're in the playoffs, I don't see him showing any signs of letting up anytime soon. With Brunson leading the charge, New York won its last six games in a row while going 4-0 against the spread. The 76ers, on the other hand, had been on a roll of their own, winning nine straight before the Game 1 loss. The Sixers lost and failed to cover the spread in three of their four meetings with New York this season, though, and will take another one on the chin in this one. It doesn't help that MVP candidate Joel Embiid is clearly hobbled by his ailing knees. He’ll be reevaluated prior to this game after taking a spill late in the second quarter. Under the circumstances, count on the Knicks to take an early 2-0 lead after this home win and cover.