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Knicks Aim for Sixers Sweep Despite Brunson Injury
Knicks Aim for Sixers Sweep Despite Brunson Injury
New York, NY – The New York Knicks have the opportunity to sweep the Philadelphia 76ers in their season series for the first time since the 2015-16 season when they face off Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Knicks enter the game on a four-game winning streak against the Sixers and are currently 47-27 overall, boasting a strong 25-12 home record. Conversely, the 76ers are struggling, with a 23-52 record and an 11-27 road record, currently on an eight-game losing streak.
The Knicks are heavily favored, listed as 13-point favorites according to the SportsLine consensus. The over/under for the game is set at 219.5 points. This game presents a unique challenge for the Knicks, however, as their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, remains sidelined with a right ankle sprain. Brunson, who has been out for 12 consecutive games, is cleared for basketball activities but will not play Tuesday. His injury, sustained during an overtime game against the Los Angeles Lakers, has been an ongoing issue throughout March. While Brunson expressed optimism about his progress and feeling better, he hasn’t set a specific return date. The Knicks remain hopeful for his return before the playoffs.
Despite Brunson's absence, the Knicks have shown resilience, winning four of their last five games. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have stepped up significantly in Brunson's absence, averaging nearly 23 and 24 points per game, respectively, over their last 10 games. Karl-Anthony Towns, however, is currently experiencing a slump in performance, struggling with shooting accuracy in recent games. His status is listed as questionable for the game. For the 76ers, the injury woes are even more extensive. Tyrese Maxey has been out since March 3rd with a sprained finger, and Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Andre Drummond (toe) also remain sidelined, alongside their star trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Maxey. Kyle Lowry (hip) is also questionable for Philadelphia.
The 76ers' struggles extend beyond injuries. They have allowed at least 118 points in seven of their eight-game losing streak, while their offense has been equally inconsistent. However, Quentin Grimes, acquired from the Pistons after three seasons with the Knicks, presents a potential wildcard. Grimes is having a strong season and faces his former team looking for a revenge game. He averaged 8.6 points in his three seasons with the Knicks and has the potential to provide the Sixers with a significant offensive boost. The Knicks, however, aim to prevent a repeat of the 76ers' four-year stretch where they won 15 consecutive games against them, a streak that ended in the 2020-21 season.
New York, NY – The New York Knicks have the opportunity to sweep the Philadelphia 76ers in their season series for the first time since the 2015-16 season when they face off Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Knicks enter the game on a four-game winning streak against the Sixers and are currently 47-27 overall, boasting a strong 25-12 home record. Conversely, the 76ers are struggling, with a 23-52 record and an 11-27 road record, currently on an eight-game losing streak.
The Knicks are heavily favored, listed as 13-point favorites according to the SportsLine consensus. The over/under for the game is set at 219.5 points. This game presents a unique challenge for the Knicks, however, as their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, remains sidelined with a right ankle sprain. Brunson, who has been out for 12 consecutive games, is cleared for basketball activities but will not play Tuesday. His injury, sustained during an overtime game against the Los Angeles Lakers, has been an ongoing issue throughout March. While Brunson expressed optimism about his progress and feeling better, he hasn’t set a specific return date. The Knicks remain hopeful for his return before the playoffs.
Despite Brunson's absence, the Knicks have shown resilience, winning four of their last five games. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have stepped up significantly in Brunson's absence, averaging nearly 23 and 24 points per game, respectively, over their last 10 games. Karl-Anthony Towns, however, is currently experiencing a slump in performance, struggling with shooting accuracy in recent games. His status is listed as questionable for the game. For the 76ers, the injury woes are even more extensive. Tyrese Maxey has been out since March 3rd with a sprained finger, and Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Andre Drummond (toe) also remain sidelined, alongside their star trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Maxey. Kyle Lowry (hip) is also questionable for Philadelphia.
The 76ers' struggles extend beyond injuries. They have allowed at least 118 points in seven of their eight-game losing streak, while their offense has been equally inconsistent. However, Quentin Grimes, acquired from the Pistons after three seasons with the Knicks, presents a potential wildcard. Grimes is having a strong season and faces his former team looking for a revenge game. He averaged 8.6 points in his three seasons with the Knicks and has the potential to provide the Sixers with a significant offensive boost. The Knicks, however, aim to prevent a repeat of the 76ers' four-year stretch where they won 15 consecutive games against them, a streak that ended in the 2020-21 season.
