The Philadelphia 76ers will face the New York Knicks on Friday, December 19, at Madison Square Garden, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Philadelphia enters at 14-11 after a one-game losing streak, while New York holds a 19-7 record, riding a six-game win streak.
Injuries have shaped the 76ers’ lineup, with Joel Embiid sidelined due to illness and right knee management. Kelly Oubre Jr. remains out with a left knee sprain, while Trendon Watford is inactive with a left adductor strain. Johni Broome and Hunter Sallis are on G League assignments, leaving Philadelphia to rely heavily on Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 31.5 points and 7.2 assists per game. Jared McCain is listed as available, still recovering from right thumb surgery and wearing a splint.
The Knicks have their own injury concerns. Karl-Anthony Towns is probable with left knee soreness, and Josh Hart is listed as probable following an abdominal strain. Miles McBride and Landry Shamet are out with ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively, while Pacome Dadiet is questionable as he remains on G League assignment.
Philadelphia’s recent results include a 117-120 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on December 14, after beating the Indiana Pacers 115-105 two days earlier.
New York is coming off back-to-back narrow victories, edging the Pacers 114-113 on December 18 and defeating the Orlando Magic 132-120 on December 13.
Maxey has been pivotal for the 76ers, shooting 46.7% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range, with 6.4 free throws made per game at an 88.1% clip. VJ Edgecombe has contributed 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, supporting Philadelphia’s scoring load in Embiid’s absence.
New York relies heavily on Jalen Brunson, who leads the team with 28.7 points per game, supported by Towns’ 22.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Mikal Bridges adds 16.6 points and 4.7 rebounds, while OG Anunoby contributes 16.2 points and 5.4 rebounds.
The matchup will test both teams’ depth, as Philadelphia navigates multiple injuries and New York balances key players’ recovery. The 76ers will likely depend on Maxey and Paul George, who is producing 17.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, to keep pace with the Knicks’ strong frontcourt and backcourt duo.
