The Philadelphia 76ers are in a must-win situation as they host the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series. Down 2-0, the 76ers have a clear path to victory with two key advantages: the return of superstar Joel Embiid and the likely absence of Knicks forward OG Anunoby due to a hamstring strain.
Anunoby has been a reliable defender and scorer for New York, and his absence opens the door for Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey, who has yet to fully take over a game in this series, is expected to step up alongside Embiid. The 76ers are battle-tested playing without key players, as Embiid misses more games than he plays and Paul George was suspended this season.
The Knicks have looked like one of the two best teams in the playoffs, winning four of six games against the Hawks, but losing both by one point. However, with Anunoby out and the 76ers returning home to a raucous crowd, Philadelphia is expected to cover the -1.5 spread and keep the series alive.