Last night, the New York Knicks looked to win their second game of the 2026-2027 season against the Chicago Bulls. After being down 19, the Knicks were able to mount a comeback and take a 133-127 win in the Windy City. During opening night of the new season, New York faced the new-look Philadelphia 76ers, where they were defeated 106-100. On Friday, both teams will meet for the second time; however, this game will be both teams’ first game for the NBA Cup’s Group Play.
During the Knicks’ win in Chicago, 2026 NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson poured in 38 points while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his fifth double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. OG Anunoby dropped 23 points, while Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet had 18 and 14, respectively, coming off the bench. Rebounding played a huge part as New York pulled down 50 rebounds compared to the Bulls’ 39. Head coach Mike Brown benched Mikal Bridges midway through the third quarter as the 30-year-old has struggled through the Knicks’ first five games. Bridges played 13 minutes last night, finishing with just three points, shooting one for four from the floor.
While the defending NBA Champion Knicks have struggled to start the season, the new-look Sixers have been on a roll. They currently hold a 4-1 record after defeating the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night. Philadelphia runs a small eight-man lineup, but it sure has been effective to start off the year. Point guard Tyrese Maxey leads the team with 28 points per game, while center Joel Embiid has looked great thus far, leading the team in rebounding at 10 rebounds a night. In the middle of it all is four-time NBA Champion LeBron James, who has been consistent for the Sixers, whether that’s with his scoring or passing.
During these two teams’ first encounter, the 76ers shot the ball better from the floor, but the Knicks had a higher three-point percentage. New York also had 53 rebounds compared to Philly’s 45; however, the Knicks committed four more turnovers. The Sixers scored four more points off turnovers than the Knicks, in addition to knocking down two more free throws. In this second matchup, both teams need to be aggressive on the glass. Philadelphia’s defenders did a great job the first time around guarding Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby; they'll need to do the same on Friday. New York needs to find better shot attempts and be turnover-free as much as they can to prevent any easy baskets for the Sixers.
This will be another close game between these two rivals. New York must take the home crowd out of the game as early as possible and sustain a lead. Philadelphia must keep the gas pedal down on the defensive end and prevent a Knicks offense that has struggled to heat up. As much as I’d love to see New York pull off a third straight win, especially in NBA Cup Group Play, I don’t think it’s going to happen. I have the 76ers taking a 115-110 win.
