2024 NBA Playoffs - East 1st Round: #2 New York Knicks vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers (NYK WINS 4-2)

[bisme37]

Fightin' words!

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[Capn'O]

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Release the metal bats

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[shmeakone]

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Ohhhh there'll be skirmishes aplenty. What a dummy.

[jc23]

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thats a "who he play fo" name.

[HardenToSixers]

Interesting. Vegas has Sixers as the favorites, but the overwhelming majority of the posts in this thread have the Knicks in 5 or 6.

So, what specific things are the sharps in Vegas missing? I guess they are ready to give money away - yes?

I think the argument is that the Knicks are healthier than they've been in months whereas Embiid looks a step slow right now and Melton is questionable. The Knicks also have good personnel to manage Embiid whereas Brunson will have his run of the place.

I can see that scenario play out. I can also see a scenario where the lack of a true second option becomes insurmountable with Maxey going off. I wouldn't give either team a clear advantage.

I can guarantee this though - Brunson is gonna cook in this series.

Sixers have better personnel to handle Brunson than the Knicks do to handle Embiid.

[cgf]

If Nick Nurse is such a genius coach and upgrade over Doc Rivers that Raptors fans and Sixers fans say he is, he should win this series against an injured team.

Sixers have had more major injuries than knicks

They still missing their two best perimeter defenders Covington and melton half the season and embiid playing at 70-80%.

Let's just leave it at both teams have been hammered by injuries. Not even talking about minor knocks guys like Brunson have picked up through the season that caused him to miss a game here & a game there.

Our defensive anchor played 31 of a possible 82 games...and his replacement has been on a minutes limitation because of his achilles. Our best perimeter defender & new defensive anchor played 23 of a possible 50 games. Our most decorated player is out for the season and hasn't played since before the Allstar game.

[cgf]

Interesting. Vegas has Sixers as the favorites, but the overwhelming majority of the posts in this thread have the Knicks in 5 or 6.

So, what specific things are the sharps in Vegas missing? I guess they are ready to give money away - yes?

I think the argument is that the Knicks are healthier than they've been in months whereas Embiid looks a step slow right now and Melton is questionable. The Knicks also have good personnel to manage Embiid whereas Brunson will have his run of the place.

I can see that scenario play out. I can also see a scenario where the lack of a true second option becomes insurmountable with Maxey going off. I wouldn't give either team a clear advantage.

I can guarantee this though - Brunson is gonna cook in this series.

Sixers have better personnel to handle Brunson than the Knicks do to handle Embiid.

You think? We can throw Robinson, Hartenstein, Anunoby, and Achiuwa at Joel.

[DaGawd]

Fightin' words!

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thanks for the bulletin board material bum!

[bebopdeluxe]

Interesting. Vegas has Sixers as the favorites, but the overwhelming majority of the posts in this thread have the Knicks in 5 or 6.

So, what specific things are the sharps in Vegas missing? I guess they are ready to give money away - yes?

that embiid is anything but a lock to finish this series intact

So why is Vegas picking the Sixers? If they believed Embiid won't make it through the series, they would be favoring the Knicks - right?

You may think that embiid might not make it through the series, but it seems that Vegas doesn't agree with you.

I think Vegas is picking the Sixers - despite not having homecourt - because 1) they have two of the three best players in the series; and 2) they have the better coach.

[cgf]

Interesting. Vegas has Sixers as the favorites, but the overwhelming majority of the posts in this thread have the Knicks in 5 or 6.

So, what specific things are the sharps in Vegas missing? I guess they are ready to give money away - yes?

that embiid is anything but a lock to finish this series intact

So why is Vegas picking the Sixers? If they believed Embiid won't make it through the series, they would be favoring the Knicks - right?

You may think that embiid might not make it through the series, but it seems that Vegas doesn't agree with you.

I think Vegas is picking the Sixers - despite not having homecourt - because 1) they have two of the three best players in the series; and 2) they have the better coach.

Where do you have Vegas picking the 6ers? It's pretty much a toss up for me on FanDuel (Knicks +100).

And again the odds measure where the betting is expected to be...because odds makers' goal is getting people betting both ways, not to predict who will win...so even if they were favoring Philly that would just mean that they think more people will bet on Philly to win at neutral odds.

[HardenToSixers]

I think the argument is that the Knicks are healthier than they've been in months whereas Embiid looks a step slow right now and Melton is questionable. The Knicks also have good personnel to manage Embiid whereas Brunson will have his run of the place.

I can see that scenario play out. I can also see a scenario where the lack of a true second option becomes insurmountable with Maxey going off. I wouldn't give either team a clear advantage.

I can guarantee this though - Brunson is gonna cook in this series.

Sixers have better personnel to handle Brunson than the Knicks do to handle Embiid.

You think? We can throw Robinson, Hartenstein, Anunoby, and Achiuwa at Joel.

Him being healthy enough to play his usual game is the big if, but I think that Robinson and Hartenstein don't have the mass. To me, the recipe to stop Embiid is having a big strong body like Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Robin Lopez, or even Aron Baynes. They hold their weight and don't let him push them around or fall for the foul baiting.

The other recipe is having many long perimeter defenders and a defensive concept to swarm Embiid with double teams like the role players on the toughest Celtics and Raptors teams that shut him down. Knicks have a couple of strong perimeter defenders, but I don't think they have the consistent length and activity across the whole lineup nor the heavy big men to try to slow him down adequately.

I don't think that's necessarily the worst thing. Sometimes Embiid can be the detriment of his own team, especially if he is hobbled like now. But I do think he has the potential to eat in terms of individual production, which sometimes is what you need in scrappy playoffs games.

Left off Al Horford who is his ultimate kryptonite, who has a strong base in his own right, but honestly is just a savvy defender and Embiid's father so kind of a different situation.

[cgf]

Sixers have better personnel to handle Brunson than the Knicks do to handle Embiid.

You think? We can throw Robinson, Hartenstein, Anunoby, and Achiuwa at Joel.

Him being healthy enough to play his usual game is the big if, but I think that Robinson and Hartenstein don't have the mass. To me, the recipe to stop Embiid is having a big strong body like Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Robin Lopez, or even Aron Baynes. They hold their weight and don't let him push them around or fall for the foul baiting.

The other recipe is having many long perimeter defenders and a defensive concept to swarm Embiid with double teams like the role players on the toughest Celtics and Raptors teams that shut him down. Knicks have a couple of strong perimeter defenders, but I don't think they have the consistent length and activity across the whole lineup nor the heavy big men to try to slow him down adequately.

I don't think that's necessarily the worst thing. Sometimes Embiid can be the detriment of his own team, especially if he is hobbled like now. But I do think he has the potential to eat in terms of individual production, which sometimes is what you need in scrappy playoffs games.

I hear what you're saying, Joel is a mammoth of a man, but Hartenstein & Robinson have both had success against him before...and Mitch is a powerful ass dude in his own right now-a-days. Embiid will still get his if he's 80-90% (or better), and who knows how that'll go in the playoffs, but our Centers kept him from doing it efficiently or making a big impact with his buckets in previous matchups

Plus who are Philly's best options to limit Brunson? Oubre & Batum? No disrespect intended, but Jalen has feasted against better defenders than them...as long as our shooters show up enough to keep Nurse from playing a box & 1 the whole game

[HardenToSixers]

You think? We can throw Robinson, Hartenstein, Anunoby, and Achiuwa at Joel.

Him being healthy enough to play his usual game is the big if, but I think that Robinson and Hartenstein don't have the mass. To me, the recipe to stop Embiid is having a big strong body like Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Robin Lopez, or even Aron Baynes. They hold their weight and don't let him push them around or fall for the foul baiting.

The other recipe is having many long perimeter defenders and a defensive concept to swarm Embiid with double teams like the role players on the toughest Celtics and Raptors teams that shut him down. Knicks have a couple of strong perimeter defenders, but I don't think they have the consistent length and activity across the whole lineup nor the heavy big men to try to slow him down adequately.

I don't think that's necessarily the worst thing. Sometimes Embiid can be the detriment of his own team, especially if he is hobbled like now. But I do think he has the potential to eat in terms of individual production, which sometimes is what you need in scrappy playoffs games.

I hear what you're saying, Joel is a mammoth of a man, but Hartenstein & Robinson have both had success against him before...and Mitch is a powerful ass dude in his own right now-a-days. Embiid will still get his if he's 80-90% (or better), and who knows how that'll go in the playoffs, but our Centers kept him from doing it efficiently or making a big impact with his buckets in previous matchups

Plus who are Philly's best options to limit Brunson? Oubre & Batum? No disrespect intended, but Jalen has feasted against better defenders than them...as long as our shooters show up enough to keep Nurse from playing a box & 1 the whole game

I hear you. Could go either way. I just know that in my experience watching the playoffs smaller guards can sometimes be more limited by a couple of stronger defensive options (long and quick Batum or short and strong like Lowry) and a strong team concept. Versus I expect Embiid to be able to overpower the defenders at Center the Knicks have. But time will tell.

[Ambrose]

This is the 6ers best shot at getting to the WCF. I'm leaning Philly in 7.

[Capn'O]

Sixers have better personnel to handle Brunson than the Knicks do to handle Embiid.

You think? We can throw Robinson, Hartenstein, Anunoby, and Achiuwa at Joel.

Him being healthy enough to play his usual game is the big if, but I think that Robinson and Hartenstein don't have the mass. To me, the recipe to stop Embiid is having a big strong body like Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Robin Lopez, or even Aron Baynes. They hold their weight and don't let him push them around or fall for the foul baiting.

The other recipe is having many long perimeter defenders and a defensive concept to swarm Embiid with double teams like the role players on the toughest Celtics and Raptors teams that shut him down. Knicks have a couple of strong perimeter defenders, but I don't think they have the consistent length and activity across the whole lineup nor the heavy big men to try to slow him down adequately.

I don't think that's necessarily the worst thing. Sometimes Embiid can be the detriment of his own team, especially if he is hobbled like now. But I do think he has the potential to eat in terms of individual production, which sometimes is what you need in scrappy playoffs games.

Left off Al Horford who is his ultimate kryptonite, who has a strong base in his own right, but honestly is just a savvy defender and Embiid's father so kind of a different situation.

Mitch is bigger than you are remembering. He's been able to bang with Embiid inside in the past. He was a bit slow to end the season though and generally struggles to guard in space. The Knicks are substantially better on offense with iHart on the floor and that's a matchup of some concern because Embiid definitely can push him around more. On the perimeter we'll be able to throw OG and Precious his way. The inside/outside switching may take some scheming but we'll likely be able to keep him in single coverage for the most part. I have no doubt he'll eat but we have the size to keep him from dominating.

Unless Nurse goes a different direction than I'm thinking, Brunson is gonna absolutely scorch you. I think he tries to keep our shooters at bay and you have nobody who can check him in single coverage as there is nobody who can.

[cgf]

You think? We can throw Robinson, Hartenstein, Anunoby, and Achiuwa at Joel.

Him being healthy enough to play his usual game is the big if, but I think that Robinson and Hartenstein don't have the mass. To me, the recipe to stop Embiid is having a big strong body like Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Robin Lopez, or even Aron Baynes. They hold their weight and don't let him push them around or fall for the foul baiting.

The other recipe is having many long perimeter defenders and a defensive concept to swarm Embiid with double teams like the role players on the toughest Celtics and Raptors teams that shut him down. Knicks have a couple of strong perimeter defenders, but I don't think they have the consistent length and activity across the whole lineup nor the heavy big men to try to slow him down adequately.

I don't think that's necessarily the worst thing. Sometimes Embiid can be the detriment of his own team, especially if he is hobbled like now. But I do think he has the potential to eat in terms of individual production, which sometimes is what you need in scrappy playoffs games.

Left off Al Horford who is his ultimate kryptonite, who has a strong base in his own right, but honestly is just a savvy defender and Embiid's father so kind of a different situation.

Mitch is bigger than you are remembering. He's been able to bang with Embiid inside in the past. He was a bit slow to end the season though and generally struggles to guard in space. The Knicks are substantially better on offense with iHart on the floor and that's a matchup of some concern because Embiid definitely can push him around more. On the perimeter we'll be able to throw OG and Precious his way. The inside/outside switching may take some scheming but we'll likely be able to keep him in single coverage for the most part. I have no doubt he'll eat but we have the size to keep him from dominating.

Unless Nurse goes a different direction than I'm thinking, Brunson is gonna absolutely scorch you. I think he tries to keep our shooters at bay and you have nobody who can check him in single coverage as there is nobody who can.

I expect Nurse to try a lot of different things to slow us down. Though I'm not sure how many of them will work unless our shooters are icecold and he sells out to limit Jalen. But will Jalen be able to outduel Joel & Maxey, if we can't own the 2nd-chance & transition points battles?

He's so crafty that even against bigger defenders with playoff refs, I trust the son of Rick, but without Juju, Jalen doesn't have his costar.

[Exp0sed]

Knicks in 6. I don't think Philly has the defensive personnel to contain Brunson and they will just work harder I think. Unless Melton comes back, only Lowry can really work to disrupt him and that's not enough.

Side note, I watched some of Hart/Brunson's podcast.. Brunson is MAD annoying.. , I don't know if it's just me, but it's like his singular personality trait is to clown on Hart who actually seems pretty chill. Once in a while it can be funny, but he just does it every episode, all episode. Hell of a player though lol

I'm a big fan of Melton and particularly his D, but he's been very slow to come back from some serious lower spine\lumbar issues
even if he'll be available to play, it'd be basically afer only logging a few mins in 5 games since January 12th..

he's not going to be able to challenege Brunson, whom every team in the league has struggled to contain

and yes, I saw some of those too and Brunson is hella annoying personally but like u say, great player but def dumb and obnoxious at least that's how he came across on those

[Exp0sed]

Fightin' words!


thanks for the bulletin board material bum!

well, he's not wrong..

[cgf]

Knicks in 6. I don't think Philly has the defensive personnel to contain Brunson and they will just work harder I think. Unless Melton comes back, only Lowry can really work to disrupt him and that's not enough.

Side note, I watched some of Hart/Brunson's podcast.. Brunson is MAD annoying.. , I don't know if it's just me, but it's like his singular personality trait is to clown on Hart who actually seems pretty chill. Once in a while it can be funny, but he just does it every episode, all episode. Hell of a player though lol

I'm a big fan of Melton and particularly his D, but he's been very slow to come back from some serious lower spine\lumbar issues
even if he'll be available to play, it'd be basically afer only logging a few mins in 5 games since January 12th..

he's not going to be able to challenege Brunson, whom every team in the league has struggled to contain

and yes, I saw some of those too and Brunson is hella annoying personally but like u say, great player but def dumb and obnoxious at least that's how he came across on those

Brunson & Hart are the kind of best friends that never stop talking s*** about each other. Our best beat guys joked about it repeatedly on podcasts before we got to hear it for ourselves.

When not around Josh, Jalen is very articulate and measured...but just like Robinson & Hartenstein's friendship just changes their entire demeanor when they are together, whenever Hart & Brunson are together they revert to the s***-talking college kids they were when they first bonded

[Exp0sed]

Interesting. Vegas has Sixers as the favorites, but the overwhelming majority of the posts in this thread have the Knicks in 5 or 6.

So, what specific things are the sharps in Vegas missing? I guess they are ready to give money away - yes?

I can guarantee this though - Brunson is gonna cook in this series.

Sixers have better personnel to handle Brunson than the Knicks do to handle Embiid.

it won't be nessescary, it's the playoffs! Embiid will handle himself...he is his own worst enemy
Knicks in 6