2024 NBA playoffs: 76ers vs. Knicks first-round schedule, times, how to watch and scores
It wasn't easy, but the Philadelphia 76ers are in the playoffs.
After dispatching the Miami Heat in the NBA play-in tournament, the Sixers will move on to face the New York Knicks in the first round.
Here's everything you need know about Sixers postseason basketball:
Sixers-Knicks playoff schedule
Game 1: 76ers at Knicks on Saturday, April 20, at 6 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: 76ers at Knicks on Monday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3: Knicks at 76ers on Thursday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 4: 76ers at Knicks on Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 5: Knicks at 76ers on Tuesday, April 30, time and TV TBD*
Game 6: Knicks at 76ers on Thursday, May2, time and TV TBD*
Game 7: 76ers at Knicks on Saturday, May 4, time TBD, TNT*
If necessary=*
76ers-Knicks scores
Game 1: Knicks 111, 76ers 104
The 76ers fell short despite nearly overcoming a 12-point halftime deficit and a Joel Embiid knee injury in Game 1 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 20.
Tyrese Maxey led all scores with 33 points and Embiid added 29 points even after collapsing to the floor following a massive self, alley-oop dunk in the second quarter.
However, the Sixers couldn't overcome the offensive rebounding and 3-point shooting of the Knicks, who were led with 22 points each by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
76ers-Knicks regular season
Season series: Knicks won 3-1 vs. Sixers
Jan. 5: Knicks 128, 76ers 92
Feb. 22: Knicks 110, 76ers 96
March 10: 76ers 79, 76ers 73
March 12: Knicks 106, 76ers 79
When was the last time the Sixers played the Knicks in the playoffs?
Sixers-Knicks 1989 playoffs
Let's just say, it's been a while.
Charles Barkley was the leading scorer for the Sixers, who fell to Patrick Ewing and the Knicks in a 3-0 first-round series sweep. Back then, the first round was a best-of-five series before the NBA switched to best-of-seven first-round format in 2003.
The two historic franchises have played a total of 33 playoff games, with the 76ers winning 21. The Sixers have won the last four and have won five of eight total series against the Knicks.
Here's a look at previous playoff matchups:
1983 Eastern Conference Semifinals: 76ers 4-0
1978 Eastern Conference Semifinals: 76ers 4-0
1968 East Division Semifinals: 76ers 4-2
1959 East Division Semifinals: Nationals: 2-0*
1954 East Division Round Robin: Knicks: 2-0*
1952 East Division Finals: Knicks 3-1*
1951 East Division Finals: Knicks 3-2*
1950 East Division Finals: Nationals: 2-1*
*= The 76ers were the Syracuse Nationals until moving to Philadelphia in 1963.
Sixers beat heat in NBA play-in tournament
76ers 105, Heat 104
Down for most of the game, the Sixers fought their way back from a 12-point halftime deficit with a strong second half to beat the Heat at the Wells Fargo center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 17.
The Sixers were led by an unlikely source in 16-year veteran Nicolas Batum, who hit six 3-pointers and had a game-clinching block on a 3-point attempt by guard Tyler Herro. Batum finished with 20 points while Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 23 points.
Nico Batum said postgame he was able to block Tyler Herro's 3 in the clutch because the Sixers coaching staff showed him the exact the play the Heat ended up running just a minute before.
"Coaches showed me that play literally like a minute before. So I was expecting that play." pic.twitter.com/pQmA1wMhdV— Daniel Olinger (@dan_olinger) April 18, 2024
The turning point of the game? That came midway through the 3rd quarter when the Heats' Caleb Martin missed two straight free throws, sending the fans in South Philly into a frenzy because it guaranteed them free Chick-fil A chicken.
The crowd's energy seemed to motivate the Sixers, who began to cut into the Heats' 11-point lead before taking the momentum into the 4th quarter.
Who knew a team partnership with a fast food chain would help spark a win?
the moment the sixers season was saved pic.twitter.com/ijNDFGXTHw
— drew (@sixersruinedme) April 18, 2024
The 76ers went on a 56-45 run after winning free chicken. pic.twitter.com/jX8aRvm6VM
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 18, 2024
NBA playoff schedule
Eastern Conference first-round series
No. 1 Boston Celtics vs. No. 8 Miami Heat
No. 2 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks vs. No. 6 Indiana Pacers
No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Orlando Magic
Western Conference first-round series
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans
No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers
No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. No. 6 Phoenix Suns
No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Dallas Mavericks
Eastern Conference play-in tournament
Philadelphia 76ers 105, Miami Heat 104
Chicago Bulls 131, Atlanta Hawks 116
Miami Heat 112, Chicago Bulls 91
Western Conference Semifinals play-in tournament
Los Angeles Lakers 110, New Orleans Pelicans 106
New Orleans Pelicans 105, Sacramento Kings 98
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What time do the Sixers play tonight? 76ers-Knicks playoff schedule