Is Joel Embiid healthy enough to compete with this Knicks team? I don't get the impression he is, especially after the 76ers' Play-In performance. He isn't attacking the rim like usual and is lacking any real burst. Playing drop coverage against Jalen Brunson is going to be a chore for Philly's big man today...

New York's defense is legit and it's significantly better than Philadelphia on the offensive end of the court. The passion and connectivity that NY plays with is a joy to watch — and tough to play against at MSG... New Yorkers have been dying for a winner, and not only does this squad win, but it plays with the edge and passion New Yorkers expect from their teams...

I expect the Knicks to push it hard in transition (33 fast breaks on Jan. 5 vs. Philadelphia when these teams were healthy) with Brunson leading the charge and Josh Hart finishing at the rim. NY doesn't foul, doesn't turn the ball over, and will win the rebounding battle. With several quality defenders, it will send traps at Embiid when Isaiah Hartenstein isn't taking him on one-on-one.

In short, a less dominant Embiid will have his hands full against a lively Knicks defense today. I expect NY to win and cover comfortably in game one in front of a raucous MSG crowd.