In Need of a Desperate Bounce Back: Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3 Preview

The 76ers are heading back to Philadelphia in the worst position possible, down 2-0 to the New York Knicks. After a blowout in Game 1 and a tough loss in Game 2, the Sixers are just two losses away from elimination, and the story will continue of the team not being able to advance past the second round.  

Philadelphia missed a bunch of shots late in the fourth quarter of Game 2, allowing the Knicks to capitalize and ultimately steal the win. With the next two games being at home, the Sixers will need to take advantage in order to avoid a sweep or go back to New York on the brink of elimination. 

This Team Needs Joel Embiid

Embiid was ruled out just hours before Game 2 due to hip and ankle injuries, and that showed on Wednesday night that the Sixers need their superstar on the court. The team chemistry just isn’t there without him. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond struggled offensively and also recorded a combined nine fouls, with Drummond having four and Bona having five. That caused Dominick Barlow to play at the five the entire fourth quarter, as he seemed like the only big man who gave them quality minutes.

A must for Game 3 is making sure Embiid is playable. Even a limited version of him can shift the team’s entire outcome. When he’s on the court, the players are more confident and are able to work with him more efficiently, either in the paint or from beyond the arc. He has been receiving treatment throughout the playoffs, and he will most likely make a big effort to suit up on Friday night. Philadelphia listed Embiid as questionable during Thursday’s injury report, and now time will tell whether or not he will suit up on Friday. He will definitely try his best to play.

For New York, they now have some injuries they have to worry about for Game 3. OG Anunoby made his way onto the injury report on Thursday, with him being listed as questionable for Game 3 with a hamstring ailment he suffered in Game 2. Another starter in the Knicks lineup, Josh Hart, has also been listed as questionable due to a left thumb sprain he suffered in Game 2.

Limit the Sloppiness that was the Turnovers

The Sixers had 18 turnovers on Wednesday night, which led to 23 New York points. Considering that Philadelphia only lost by six, they could have produced half of those turnovers and still won the game. Meanwhile, the Sixers managed only nine points off 13 turnovers, failing to make the right shots when it mattered. They also played very sloppy basketball when they received the basketball via a turnover. 

“The difference in the game is the turnovers and points off turnovers,” Nick Nurse said after Game 2. “One of the differences for sure.”

Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe contributed to 10 out of the 18 turnovers in Game 2. New York can apply pressure very quickly, and these two need to take more care of the ball when they play quickly.

The Home Crowd Needs to Show Up

“MSG South” is a popular nickname among Knicks fans for Xfinity Mobile Arena. Two years ago, in the first round, Knicks fans took over what was the Wells Fargo Center for the three home games the Sixers played in that series. It is cheaper to buy tickets for a game in Philadelphia, and it is a short trip from New York to South Philly. 

“I have a message for our fans,” Embiid said after Game 7 in Boston last Saturday. “Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East. “We’re going to need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you … If you need money, I got you.”

When the 76ers allowed fans to purchase tickets for home games, the team announced that anyone purchasing from outside the Greater Philadelphia area would be immediately refunded. Knicks fans are notorious for traveling well, and there is a possibility that most fans will be able to bypass this rule, but it shouldn’t feel like there are more Knicks fans than 76ers fans. The Sixers will have to start on a roll, cause they can get quiet quick if the Knicks go on a run. If the Knicks are blowing out the Sixers by the 3rd quarter, then you’ll hear nothing but Knicks fans.

Game 3 is Friday night from Philadelphia at 7:00 p.m. EST, and can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video.

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