Knicks vs 76ers Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips – NBA 21 October

The New York Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers to open the 2026-27 NBA season, with tip-off at Madison Square Garden at 12:00pm NZT on Wednesday 21 October. New York get their championship rings and raise the banner first.

This Knicks group swept Philadelphia in the East semi-finals in May, but LeBron James and Jaylen Brown have arrived since. I’m curious how quickly that new starting five clicks, and there’s no bigger NBA betting game on the first night.

Odds from Zotabet, correct at 1:00pm NZT 20 October. Subject to change.

New York Knicks

Last 5 (preseason): L-L-L-L-W · 2025-26 record: 53-29 · ATS 2025-26: 58-44

I’m ignoring the 1-4 preseason. New York limited their starters’ minutes, and none of them played in the 148-98 loss in Toronto. Jalen Brunson averaged 26.0 points last season, and the Finals MVP still drives their half-court offence. Karl-Anthony Towns had 15 rebounds and nine assists in the finale.

My worry is size against Joel Embiid. Andre Drummond had 14 points and eight rebounds in the finale, but I’d rather have Mitchell Robinson’s rim protection. Josh Hart practised without restrictions.

Philadelphia 76ers

Last 4 (preseason): W-L-L-L · 2025-26 record: 45-37 · ATS 2025-26: 50-44

Embiid looks healthy, and that’s the first box ticked. He scored 27 points on just 13 shots in the preseason finale against Boston. James played mostly as a passer in that game, with seven assists in 25 minutes, and his lob connection with Tyrese Maxey already looks dangerous in transition.

Turnovers hurt them in all three preseason losses, though. Their centre depth is a concern too, with Ariel Hukporti out for the season.

• With Hukporti (1) and Fall (2) out and Wade (3) in doubt, Embiid’s cover could come down to Bona, and that’s why I’d check the line on live betting sites if Philadelphia struggle in his rest minutes.

The Knicks swept the 76ers 4-0 in last season’s East semi-finals after the teams split their four regular-season meetings 2-2.

• H2H – New York won the four playoff games by a combined 89 points.
• Totals trend – Five of the last eight meetings finished under 232.5 points.
• Team trend – The Knicks shot 37.3% from three last season, compared to 34.9% for Philadelphia.
• Player trend – Maxey averaged 28.3 points and 6.6 assists last season.

I’m with New York, but not by a wide margin. Banner nights can go flat, and both of Philadelphia’s regular-season wins over the Knicks last season came at the Garden. I don’t expect the margins we saw in May either, because this is a far better Philadelphia side now.

Their new starting five has had very few preseason minutes together, though, and loose passes against this Knicks defence turn into easy points the other way. Brown will get his buckets. I still don’t trust Philadelphia’s second unit with so little cover at centre.

A total of 232.5 looks a touch high for an opener with two new-look rotations, so the Under is my second play.

My prediction: Knicks 117-110.

Knicks -4.5 Line – $1.91

New York won all four playoff meetings with Philadelphia by six points or more, and the visitors arrive short of big men. I’d rather lay the points than take $1.52 on the Moneyline.

My one hesitation is that new starting five, which could have this tight for three quarters. If Wade is ruled out, I’d feel better again.

You can back Knicks -4.5 at $1.91 with Zotabet.

Play to: $1.80

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