76ers vs. Knicks Preview: Eastern Conference Powers Collide in Friday Night Showdown
The Eastern Conference is heating up, and Friday night’s matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks is shaping up to be a statement game for both squads. The Sixers come in sitting fifth in the East at 15-11, while the Knicks, fresh off their 2025 NBA Emirates Cup title, are rolling at 19-7 and holding down the No. 2 spot in the conference.
Let’s break down where both teams stand heading into this clash, who’s trending, and what the lineups could look like - all with an eye on the bigger picture in the East.
Philadelphia 76ers: Searching for Consistency Amid Injuries
The Sixers have been up and down over their last five, winning three but dropping a heartbreaker to the Hawks on Saturday, 120-117. That game saw Paul George put on a vintage performance with 35 points, while rookie VJ Edgecombe continued to turn heads, adding 26 points, six boards, and two assists. Edgecombe’s confidence and shot-making have been a bright spot for Philly in a season where health has been a persistent storyline.
Speaking of which, the Sixers’ injury report is once again a key factor heading into Friday:
- Joel Embiid is listed as questionable due to illness. That’s obviously the big one.
His presence - or absence - changes everything for Philly on both ends of the floor.
- Kelly Oubre Jr. remains out with a left knee sprain.
- Trendon Watford is also out with a left adductor strain.
- Johni Broome and Hunter Sallis are both doubtful and currently on G League assignments.
- Jared McCain is available as he continues his recovery from thumb surgery, still wearing a splint.
The Sixers’ depth has been tested early and often this season, but there’s still plenty of firepower. Tyrese Maxey continues to be the engine of the backcourt, and Paul George has been a steadying veteran presence. Edgecombe’s emergence adds a new wrinkle, especially if Embiid can’t go.
Here’s how Philly’s depth chart is shaping up:
Projected Starters:
- PG: Tyrese Maxey
- SG: VJ Edgecombe
- SF: Jabari Walker (with Oubre Jr. out)
- PF: Paul George
- C: Joel Embiid (if available)
Key Reserves:
- Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes, Kyle Lowry, Andre Drummond
New York Knicks: Riding Momentum and Depth
The Knicks are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, winners of five straight and playing with the kind of swagger that comes from depth, chemistry, and a clear identity. Their most recent win - a 114-113 nail-biter on the road against Indiana - showcased their resilience and late-game poise.
Jalen Brunson continues to lead the way, dropping 25 points with five rebounds and seven assists in that win. Mikal Bridges added 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, showing once again how valuable he is on both ends of the floor. The Knicks’ wing rotation is deep, versatile, and relentless - a nightmare for opposing perimeter players.
As of now, the Knicks haven’t submitted their injury report for Friday, but barring any surprises, they’re expected to have most of their core intact.
Their projected starting five has been a problem for opponents all season:
Projected Starters:
- PG: Jalen Brunson
- SG: Jordan Clarkson
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: OG Anunoby
- C: Guerschon Yabusele
Key Reserves:
- Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek
And yes, you read that right - Karl-Anthony Towns is coming off the bench. That’s how deep this Knicks team is right now. With Towns, Hart, and Robinson anchoring the second unit, New York’s rotation is built to wear teams down over 48 minutes.
Matchup to Watch: Maxey vs. Brunson
This game could come down to which lead guard can control the tempo and make the right reads late. Maxey has been electric this season, but Brunson’s steady hand and clutch shot-making have been the difference in several close games. Both guards are undersized but fearless - expect fireworks.
If Embiid plays, the paint battle shifts dramatically in Philly’s favor. Without him, the Knicks’ frontcourt depth could be too much to handle.
How to Watch
- Game Day: Friday, Dec. 19
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- TV: Amazon Prime, MSG
- Streaming: Fubo
The Bottom Line
This game has playoff energy written all over it - two top-five teams in the East, both with something to prove. For the Sixers, it’s about finding rhythm and health as they try to stay in the upper tier of the conference. For the Knicks, it’s about sustaining momentum and showing they can win tough games on the road.
Whether or not Embiid suits up will be a major swing factor, but either way, expect a tightly contested battle between two teams with legitimate postseason aspirations.