LeBron James faces Josh Hart (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Sixers and Knicks met in last year’s NBA Playoffs, then again in the preseason and in the 2026 season opener. It’s safe to say these teams know each other.
But five games into Philadelphia’s 2026-27 slog to the postseason, these two teams are ready to do battle again, this time in a game that means more*.
*if the NBA Cup is important to you
When these two teams met just 10 days ago, the Sixers spoiled ring night in New York, using a strong third quarter to pull out a 106-100 win. As they gear up for round 2, Knicks Film School’s Jonathan Macri stopped by the Vertical 76 podcast to discuss the season so far and what to expect when the Knicks and Sixers collide in Philly.
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After an 0-3 start, the Knicks have won their last two games, and the defending champs are starting to find themselves. But the Sixers present a unique challenge for New York, according to Macri.
“The Knicks, when they ratchet it up against offenses that give you hiding spots, and specifically give Jalen Brunson hiding spots, they can look like a defensive powerhouse,” Macri said.
The Sixers, however, are not one of those offenses.
“It’s a matchup league and I think there is a world where the Knicks’ defense is going to struggle to contain the Philly offense when they are at their best,” he said. “I can see that being a reason above everything else that if these teams met in the playoffs why it could be an extraordinarily competitive series.”
Macri added that he did not foresee a problem for the Knicks offensively — at least down the road when the team finally clicks. Krell pushed back, noting that even though Jaylen Brown didn’t have “the best” first game, the Sixers newcomer gave the extra effort defensively.
“They do tend to have the size matchups that I think could ultimately neutralize each other, where OG [Anunoby] and Mikal [Bridges] and Jaylen and LeBron [James] maybe come out to a net zero,” Krell said.
The Knicks and Sixers tip off in Philly on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in a matchup on Prime Video.
