Knicks Game Night: 2026 NBA Playoffs Round 2, Game 3 – NYK (2-0) at PHI (0-2); Prime Video
Will OG Anunoby play tonight in Game 3? No, he will not, although several credible reports have indicated the Knicks’ best playoff performer merely tweaked his hamstring in Wednesday’s Game 2 victory. The Knicks lead the Sixers 2-0 in this best-of-seven series, so there is no need to rush Anunoby's recovery.
Game 2 was much tighter than Game 1, but in the fourth quarter, the Knicks used their depth to overcome the 76ers. Without Joel Embiid, Philadelphia is faster on the court and stronger defensively, but highly reliant on Tyrese Maxey, who averaged 30 points per game in Philadelphia’s first-round series against Boston.
So far in this series, Mikal Bridges has defended Maxey very well, holding him to an average of 19.5 points in two games. In Game 2, Maxey scored just 26 points in 47 minutes, but the Sixers didn’t have anybody to sub in for him. This benefits the Knicks because they have had more time to familiarize themselves with Maxey’s speed.
Tonight’s game will be challenging for the Knicks because, with or without Anunoby, they will be on the road facing a desperate opponent. If the Knicks win tonight, they will drain Philadelphia of all its confidence, but this Sixers team overcame a 3-1 deficit against Boston. They do not back down easily.
Also, Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon (3:30 PM), which immediately puts the Knicks at a disadvantage because day games mean less preparation time, and the Knicks don’t want to give Philadelphia any confidence heading into a daytime Game 4.
Two years ago, the Knicks choked away a 2-0 second-round series lead to Indiana. Last year, they held a 2-0 lead against Boston, but were sluggish in a daytime Game 3 loss. If these Knicks are destined for the NBA Finals and want to achieve their championship dreams, then they must not give Philadelphia an inch tonight.
If the Knicks lose tonight, it will not guarantee a series loss. That is not what I am saying. What I am saying is that the Knicks can seal the envelope against the Sixers tonight. If they do, only the Game 4 broomstick stamp will remain. The shorter the series, the better.
The Knicks didn’t have Mitchell Robinson on Wednesday. Tonight, he will probably return, but Anunoby might sit out. That’s okay. The Knicks can win tonight’s game, and even this series, without Anunoby, but they might not be able to win their next series without him.
If Anunoby doesn’t play tonight, Miles McBride will likely fill his void in the Knicks’ starting lineup. He has only played five minutes with tonight’s other four starters — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart — this postseason, but he has succeeded with every teammate on the court.
Robinson could also replace Anunoby in the starting lineup. This is unlikely, though, because the Knicks’ big men got into early foul trouble in Games 1 and 2. Missing Anunoby could also mean more opportunities for Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Ariel Hukporti.
Another reason the Knicks should win tonight is that Knicks fans are expected to fill over 50% of Xfinity Mobile Arena. According to TickPick, 59% of ticket sales have come from New York and New Jersey, and 22% from Pennsylvania. The Sixers lowered ticket prices and even distributed free tickets to Philadelphia residents to combat the orange and blue sky.
Game Information
Teams: No. 3 New York Knicks (RS: 53-29, 22-19 Away) at No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers (RS: 45-37, 23-18 Home)
Time: 7:00 PM
Networks: Prime Video (Pregame and Postgame on MSG, Gotham Sports)
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena — 3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Monday Line: PHI -2.5 (ESPN Bet)
