76ers vs Knicks Game 1: Embiid Brings Momentum to MSG

Sport

By lines

May 3, 2026

76ers Vs Knicks Game 1 East Semifinals Preview 2026 Hero

The 76ers vs Knicks Game 1 tips off Monday, May 4, at Madison Square Garden at 8 PM ET. Philadelphia arrives as the most dangerous No. 7 seed in recent playoff memory. The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 on Saturday to complete a 3-1 series comeback. Joel Embiid is listed as probable for Game 1 with a right hip contusion. The New York Knicks hold home-court advantage as the No. 3 seed in the East.

Embiid and Maxey Set the Tone at MSG

Joel Embiid scored 34 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and distributed six assists in Game 7 against Boston. Embiid overcame a rotating Celtics defense and multiple defensive schemes across four quarters. Tyrese Maxey added 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the same Game 7 road victory. Maxey delivered back-to-back clutch drives in the game’s final two minutes to seal the series for Philadelphia. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey both enter Game 1 at Madison Square Garden in peak playoff form.

Embiid’s right hip contusion is the key injury to monitor before Monday’s 8 PM ET tip. The Philadelphia 76ers center also underwent an appendectomy approximately one month before Game 7 against Boston. Philadelphia’s probable designation for Embiid signals the 76ers expect their center to take the floor. New York defeated Atlanta in six games during the first round, posting a 47-point halftime lead in the series finale. The Knicks feature Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges as their primary offensive weapons.

The Philadelphia 76ers are the No. 7 seed against the Knicks’ No. 3 seed in this East Semifinal. New York holds home-court advantage for the entire series. Jayson Tatum sat out Game 7 for Boston with left knee stiffness, clearing the path for Philadelphia’s advance. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and center Karl-Anthony Towns will face a new interior challenge in Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey’s closing speed will test New York’s perimeter defense in this series opener.

Tyrese Maxey described Philadelphia’s mindset as confidence built over an entire season. Joel Embiid averaged 28.0 points per game against Boston on a 53.7 percent true shooting mark. Boston ranked in the NBA’s top five on offense and defense before the 76ers eliminated the Celtics. Philadelphia’s interior threat now targets the Knicks’ frontcourt in the East Semifinals. A 76ers win in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden would dramatically shift series leverage.