3 keys to Game 1 of Knicks-Sixers Second Round NBA Playoff series

The Knicks are playing some of their best basketball at the right time. After a decisive 140-89 win that closed out a first round series win against the Atlanta Hawks, New York is in the second round for the fourth consecutive year. The Knicks’ Semifinals opponent, the Philadelphia 76ers, just completed a stunning comeback from a 3-1 first round series deficit against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.

With the series opener on Monday at Madison Square Garden, let’s dive into keys to the game. Containing Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid The 76ers have one of the better tandems in the NBA in Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid . Both players are more formidable than any of the Atlanta Hawks players New York defended in the first round.

Maxey has continued to grow as an undeniable offensive talent. He was phenomenal in the first round, averaging 26. 9 points on 47 percent from the field in seven games.

In the closeout game, Maxey knifed into the lane a couple of times late to seal the series for Philadelphia. Mikal Bridges will likely get the primary assignment on Philadelphia’s All-Star point guard at the beginning of the series. OG Anunoby and Josh Hart should be in the mix as well.