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Down 3-1, the Philadelphia 76ers completed an improbable comeback against the Boston Celtics, winning the decisive Game 7 at TD Garden on Saturday. 

Joel Embiid was a beast in Games 4-7 of the series, and my 76ers vs. Knicks predictions expect him to keep rolling as an old rivalry with Karl-Anthony Towns is renewed.

Here are my free NBA picks for May 4.

76ers vs Knicks Game 1 prediction76ers vs Knicks best bet: Joel Embiid Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)

For as good as the Philadelphia 76ers are with Tyrese Maxey leading the way, the team’s play on the offensive side of the court gets a noticeable boost when Joel Embiid is available. 

During the regular season, Philly’s offensive rating was a mediocre 112.9 with Embiid on the sideline. With Embiid available, the 76ers’ offensive rating soared to 118.5, a mark that would have been fifth-best on the season.

Joel Embiid has averaged a healthy 44 PRA since returning in the playoffs, hitting the Over on this combo line in three of four games. In 11 career games at Madison Square Garden, Embiid has gone for 41+ PRA eight times.

Joel Embiid will also likely need to do more if he wants to lead his team to victory. The New York Knicks have multiple capable defenders to throw at Maxey, but their defensive depth down low isn't as deep.

With Philly's point guard locked up, its big man will have to do more of the heavy lifting. 

Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns also have an old rivalry dating back to 2019, and the Sixers center has found success against the opposing big man. He’s averaged 41 PRA in 14 career matchups with Towns, hitting the Over on this line eight times. 

Riding high from a 34/12/6 performance in Game 7 and playing against a heated rival, I expect Embiid to be at his best and deliver another big playoff performance.

76ers vs Knicks Game 1 same-game parlay

At 27-18, the Sixers sport the second-best road record against the spread.

The Knicks may have the advantage of rest, but the Sixers are in a groove and have played the Knicks well over the last two seasons. Philly is 4-1 ATS across its last five games at Madison Square Garden. 

The 76ers have hit the Over in two of their last four, and the Knicks have reached that mark in three of their last four.

Playoff basketball tends to slow down with lower scoring totals, but the Sixers’ offense is Top 5 with Embiid available, and New York averaged 133 points per game across its last two contests.

76ers vs Knicks SGP

• Joel Embiid Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists
• 76ers +7.5
• Over 212

76ers vs Knicks odds for Game 1

• Spread: 76ers +7.5 | Knicks -7.5
• Moneyline: 76ers +235 | Knicks -290
• Over/Under: Over 212 | Under 212

76ers vs Knicks betting trend to know

The Philadelphia 76ers have hit the moneyline in 26 of their last 45 games (+19.85 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Knicks.

How to watch 76ers vs Knicks Game 1 76ers vs Knicks latest injuries

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