The New York Knicks enter Game 3 holding a commanding 2-0 series lead after a dominant 137-98 blowout in Game 1 and a close 108-102 win in Game 2.
Now on the road at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia is desperate. Injuries are piling up on both sides, Embiid’s status looms large, and Game 3 could be the moment this series either dies or gets interesting.
Brunson Carries the Load Alone
GettyCan Jalen Brunson handle tonight’s Load vs. Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3?
Jalenââââââââââââââââ Brunson has been the driving force behind the Knicks’ playoff run and might even have to work harder in Game 3.
OG Anunoby is listed as doubtful for the game, citing a strained right hamstring as a reason, while Josh Hart is also doubtful due to a sprained left thumb.
Anunoby as the secondary scorer and Hart as the player who, also quite versatile, recorded 15 rebounds, 12 assists, and 6 steals in the first two games vs 76ers.
Through the postseason, Brunson has been a star, scoring on average 27.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. He scored 26 points in Game 2 on 9-of-21 shots. In case OG and Hart are limited or out, Brunson will be the only offensive anchor, and the team will be aware of it.
KAT Steps Up, Takes Over the Burden
GettyNew York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns
This is where Karl-Anthony Towns becomes absolutely critical. In the 2025-26 playoffs, KAT is averaging 18.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a remarkable 6.1 assists per game.
That playmaking number is stunning for a big man and shows just how evolved he is as a complete player. With Anunoby potentially sidelined, more isolation possessions and post touches should funnel KAT’s way.
He can punish the Sixers’ frontcourt in the mid-post, stretch the defense to the arc, and create looks for the second unit. If KAT plays with the same energy and efficiency he has shown this postseason, he is the single biggest reason the Knicks should win this game on the road.
The Embiid Factor, Philly’s Only Real Hope
GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers must be available for Game 3 versus New York Knicks
Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Game 3 with ankle and hip injuries after missing Game 2 entirely.
In the postseason, Embiid is averaging 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists when healthy. If he suits up and gets going early, he changes every calculation. He can bully KAT in the post, draw fouls at will, and give Tyrese Maxey a true second weapon to work alongside.
The 76ers simply cannot win this series without him showing up.
Prediction
Ifââââââââââââââââ Embiid manages to be on the court, the game will get really tight. The Knicks’ injury riddled situation plus a very desperate Philly crowd would be an ideal situation for a Sixers rebound.
Probably the Philly team would play very hard; however, New York’s bench players and the timely scoring of Brunson would keep the gap close.
The Knicks fall short in Game 3 by less than 10 points. So the series could continue with New York still leading ââââââââââââââââ2-1.
76ers: 116, Knicks: 102
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