Preview: James Harden and Co. are in the Garden to face the New York Knicks
James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers are in New York City to open up the NBA’s Sunday slate of basketball games against the Knicks at 1PM.
James Harden’s Stellar Debut
Friday night still doesn’t really seem real. The Sixers dismantled the Minnesota Timberwolves in James Harden’s debut, winning 133-102. The Harden-effect was on full display, as the Sixers finished with their highest offensive rating of the year, 130.4. In just their first game together, James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey were already clicking, scoring a combined 89 points in the win.
- Embiid: 34 PTS / 10 REB / 3 AST
- Harden: 27 PTS / 8 REB / 12 AST
- Maxey: 28 PTS / 2 AST / 4 STL
The Sixers have now won four of five games and are 6-4 over their last 10 games, winners of two straight. They sit in third place in the Eastern Conference, three games back of the East-leading Miami Heat and two games behind the second place Chicago Bulls.
Injury Report
- 76ers (No Injuries)
- Knicks: Quentin Grimes – Out, Derrick Rose – Out, Kemba Walker – Out
The Knicks have essentially packed it in for the 2021-22 season. They enter today 10 games below .500 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Still, the Knicks have a plethora of young talent that will see increased playing time over the final months of the season and are a threat to steal a game from the Sixers if they aren’t ready.
On Friday night, the Knicks lost to the Miami Heat at home, as RJ Barrett exploded for 46 points in the loss. Outside of Barrett, only three Knicks players scored in double figures with the highest being Evan Fournier with 13 points.
Are the Knicks capable of beating the Sixers? Sure but I just don’t see it happening. There’s a reason why the 76ers enter today as -7.5 point favorites.Â
Today’s odds brought to you by Parx Sportsbook, the official gambling partner of The Liberty Line.
| TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
| Philadelphia 76ers | -7.5 (-110) | -335 | O 219.5 (-110) |
| New York Knicks | +7.5 (-110) | +270 | U 219.5 (-110) |
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I fully expect Embiid, Harden, and the Sixers to handle business today at the garden and honestly, look even better than they did on Friday night in Minnesota.
Picks: Philadelphia 76ers -7.5 and O 219.5 (-110)
