New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers – NBA Preview – Jan 15, 2025

The New York Knicks visit the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The Knicks, ranked third in the Eastern Conference at 26-15, are looking to bounce back after a recent loss. Meanwhile, the 76ers, sitting 11th in the conference at 15-23, are desperate to turn their season around amid ongoing injury woes.
The teams last met on November 12, 2024, when New York secured a 111-99 victory in Philadelphia. The Knicks have struggled defensively recently, allowing over 100 points in nine of their last ten games. The 76ers, on the other hand, are dealing with a depleted roster but have seen strong individual performances from their reserves.
New York Knicks Preview – Seeking Defensive Stability
The Knicks are looking to improve defensively after allowing 124 points to Detroit in their most recent game. Despite their struggles, Jalen Brunson continues to lead the way, posting 31 points and 11 assists in the loss. Karl-Anthony Towns added 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Josh Hart chipped in with 12 points and 14 boards.
New York’s offense remains strong, shooting 50% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range this season. However, their inability to contain opponents has led to a 2-5 record in January. The Knicks need better defensive communication and effort to regain their winning form.
With seven of their next eight games at home following this matchup, the Knicks have a chance to solidify their playoff positioning. They will aim to take advantage of Philadelphia’s injury-depleted roster in this contest.
Philadelphia 76ers Preview – Battling Through Injuries
The 76ers are coming off a 118-102 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they were missing eight of their top ten players. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are all questionable for Wednesday, leaving coach Nick Nurse to rely on unproven talent. Justin Edwards scored a career-high 25 points against the Thunder, while Ricky Council IV added 13 points.
Philadelphia’s season has been plagued by injuries, with Embiid appearing in only 13 games so far. Despite this, the team has shown flashes of resilience. The 76ers rank third in the league in limiting opponent field goal attempts, but their defense struggles to contain high-scoring teams like the Knicks.
If the 76ers can get key players back on the court, they could make this a competitive game. However, they face an uphill battle without their full roster available.
Betting Prediction
The Knicks are 6.5-point road favorites, with the total set at 219.5. New York’s offensive efficiency and Philadelphia’s injury issues make the Knicks the likely winners. However, their recent defensive struggles suggest Philadelphia could keep the game closer than expected if their reserves play well.
Projected final score: New York 115, Philadelphia 107. Consider taking New York to cover the spread and the total to go over 219.5.
Pick: New York -6.5, Over 219.5