Getty

Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks reacts during game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers open their 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals series at Madison Square Garden.

This is a highly anticipated rematch between two Atlantic Division rivals. The Knicks enter as heavy favorites, but the Sixers are riding a massive wave of momentum. Here’s everything you need to know before tip-off.

How to Watch

GettyKnicks vs 76ers Game 1

Game 1 tips off on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York.

• TV Channel: NBC

• Live Stream: Peacock, DIRECTV.

• ESPN Play-by-Play: Free live updates available at ESPN.com and on the ESPN app

• CBS Sports Live Updates: Free play-by-play coverage and live box score tracking at CBSSports.com

Injury Report

GettyJoel Embiid Listed with a right hip contusion

New York Knicks

• Jeremy Sochan (PF): Questionable: Dealing with a hamstring issue.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Joel Embiid (C): Probable: Listed with a right hip contusion suffered in Game 7 vs. Boston; expected to play

• Tyrese Maxey (G): Available: Dealing with a right finger tendon strain, but is good to go

Game 1 Preview: How Both Teams Got Here

GettyJalen Brunson #11 and head coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks

Knicks​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ vs. Hawks (4-2): New York controlled the series against Atlanta, finishing it off in Game 6 with a dominating 140-89 win that stands as their biggest playoff margin ever.

OG Anunoby was the top scorer with 29 points, and both Jalen Brunson and KAT shone consistently during the series. Notably, the Knicks not only established a playoff record with a staggering 47-point halftime lead in the final game, but it also set the stage for their record-breaking win.

76ers vs. Celtics (4-3): Philadelphia staged a sensational playoff comeback to shock one of the best teams in the league by turning a 3-1 deficit around and defeating the defending Eastern Conference champions in Game 7 on the road at Boston.

Embiid was phenomenal – putting up 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists – leading the team in the do-or-die game; meanwhile, Maxey chipped in with 30 points and 11 ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌rebounds.

Prediction

GettyJoel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has been plagued by injuries this season. Game 1 will be tough against the Knicks

Knicks​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ seem like a no-brainer here, with their Live Series Win Probability pegged at a huge 77.6% by ESPN, and rightly so – top seed, home game, massive renegade in first round.

But the Sixers have just shown that they’ve got the potential to beat even the best teams. If Embiid is 100% healthy, Philly could very well pull off a surprise or two at MSG.

According to me, the Knicks could win Game 1, with a huge performance from Brunson being the key; however, Maxey should not be underestimated for keeping the game tight.

Knicks Win Game 1, 112-104.