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Knicks vs. Sixers: Our betting breakdown and prediction with the return of Tyrese Maxey

Albert Bainbridge IV, NorthJersey.com
·4 min read

The New York Knicks (37-27) host the Philadelphia 76ers (36-28) for the second time in three days Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

These two teams combined for one of the lowest-scoring games of the entire NBA season so far when the Sixers pulled out a lowly 79-73 victory over the Knicks on Sunday night.

Ironically, the 73 points by New York was the fewest points a team has scored this season, which the Magic held last Friday when the Knicks gave up just 74 points to Orlando.

Despite the loss, there was positive news when Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau told the media following Sunday's outcome that OG Anunoby, who has missed the past 18 games with an elbow injury, will likely travel with the team for their upcoming four-game Western Conference road trip.

Even though Anunoby likely won't play Tuesday night, can the Knicks put together an all-around better performance 48 hours later, or will the Sixers win both games in the Big Apple?

Here's my betting analysis on the spread, total and moneyline for this game at MSG:

NY Knicks vs. Sixers spread: Knicks -5.5 (-115), Sixers +6 (-109)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Of the seven-game slate Tuesday night, this is one of the most confusing spreads on the board.

While it's almost impossible for the Knicks to play as bad as they did offensively on Sunday, I'm shocked New York is one of the largest favorites in the NBA.

A big reason why I'm on the Sixers to cover this large spread is the return of Tyrese Maxey, who cleared concussion protocol after missing the last four games.

Maxey has been the focal point of the Sixers offense since reigning MVP Joel Embiid underwent surgery for an injury he suffered to his lateral meniscus in his left knee in early February.

The 23-year-old guard out of Kentucky is averaging a career-high 26 points per game and playing 37.4 minutes per night, the most in his four seasons in the NBA.

Neither team has been great covering the spread recently due to multiple starters being hurt. Therefore, getting either of these teams as a six-point underdog is way too valuable to pass up.

The line is already starting to move in Philly's favor this afternoon so if you're betting on the Sixers I'd do it now at +6 on BetRivers with a price of -109 (Bet $109 to win $100).

Prediction: Sixers +6 (-109)

NY Knicks vs. Sixers total: Over 208.5 points (-105), Under 209 points (-109)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers grabs a rebound as Jericho Sims #45, Josh Hart #3, and Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks defend during the first half at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

With the lack of star power for each of these teams recently, betting on the under has been a safe wager.

The Knicks are 8-2 to the under in their last 10 games and the Sixers are 3-7 in that same stretch.

Even though this total is by far the lowest in the NBA on Tuesday, I'd still bet this one to go under.

Since Valentine's Day, the Knicks have had a game featuring 209 or fewer points in six of those contests.

Meanwhile, the Sixers have gone below this total in back-to-back games.

By no means do I think we see another 152-point combined effort from these two playoff teams. There's undoubtedly going to be way more points.

With that being said, I'm still taking the under in this one as this total stays under for all four meetings this season with the lack of star talent on both sides.

BetRivers also has the best price of -109 for the under 209 total points.

Prediction: Under 209 points (-110)

NY Knicks vs. Sixers moneyline: Knicks (-225), Sixers (+205)

Mar 10, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) takes a shot against New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) takes a shot against New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

There's no denying that both teams need wins now more than ever with their recent slumps.

The shorthanded Knicks and Sixers find themselves falling in the standings since missing top-tier talent for months now.

You have to imagine that New York comes out shooting drastically better after posting 32.5 percent from the field and 22.5 percent from the three-point line.

However, the return of Maxey offensively is too much of a difference maker for me. I believe the Sixers will beat the Knicks as a nearly 2/1 underdog for the second time in two days in what will be yet another close, low-scoring affair.

The best available price for the Sixers to win as an underdog is at +205 (Bet $100 to win $205) on Caesars Sportsbook.

Prediction: Sixers 104, Knicks 100

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Knicks vs. Philadelphia Sixers odds as Tyrese Maxey returns