Knicks vs 76ers NBA Cup Picks & Odds Tonight: Embiid Returns To Action

The 2024 NBA Cup commences on Tuesday night with a rematch of last season's first-round classic between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. Despite former league Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid making his season debut at the Wells Fargo Center, oddsmakers at BetMGM are giving the road side the slight advantage on the spread as the 2.5-point favorites.

Here are some expert picks and a player prop for tonight's highly-anticipated showdown on November 12, 2024, and why wagering on the Knicks is the safer play for bettors.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Betting Odds

Preview: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET

Odds as of November 12, 2024 at FanDuel

New York Knicks ATS -2.5 (-110), ML (-145)

The Knicks' six-game series win over Philadelphia was perhaps the most exhilarating and thrilling matchup of the playoffs, with four of the games determined by five or less points and Game 5 needing overtime, as well. There's a ton of new faces for this East Group A meeting, but unfortunately, a key figure who had a tremendous impact during the playoffs in Tyrese Maxey won't be available as he's currently out with a right hamstring strain.

One player who isn't sidelined any longer, though, is the sorely-needed return of Embiid, as Philadelphia has floundered with a 2-7 record SU and ATS with neither of its two victories coming in regulation. It remains to be seen if he'll be on a minutes restriction tonight, but all signs point to the 7-footer playing a regular slate against the rival Knicks.

Still, Embiid's presence likely won't be enough against New York, who've also been quite the disappointment winning consecutive games once this season and sitting below the .500 mark at 4-5 SU and ATS. Not having Maxey is a huge blow to the Sixers, as he averaged over 29 points in the six playoff games, and the combination of O.G. Anunoby and Mikal Bridges defensively should be enough to contain George who's struggling shooting the rock at just 38.9 percent from the field and 16.8 percent from 3-point range.

New York is 3-3 ATS this season when favored by 2.5 points or more, but hasn't won or lost consecutive games under said criteria as of yet. Should that pattern continue, with the last occurrence being a defeat, a win should be forthcoming on Tuesday.

OVER 210.5 Points (-110)

Both teams have identical 5-4 records in the total market, with the line of 210.5 points being the lowest of the season for either side. 

Albeit with different-looking rosters a year ago, New York and Philly managed to go UNDER all four times during the campaign, but OVER in four out of six playoff games. The optimism for an OVER connecting here comes from the new-look depth charts for each side, which rings true especially for the Knicks who own the No. 2 offense in basketball at 119.5 points per 100 possessions. 

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Player Prop

Joel Embiid To Score 25+ Points (-105)

The lack of an interior presence for the Knicks with Mitchell Robinson hurt and Isaiah Hartenstein a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder should make Embiid's transition back to the hardwood more of a seamless one. 

New York big man Karl-Anthony Towns is allowing opponents to shoot a horrifying 91.4 percent in the restricted area against him this season, equating to 32 of a possible 35 shots. Embiid dropped 30 in his lone outing versus the Knicks last season, and then averaged 33 points in the playoffs. 

The only hinderance here would be head coach Nick Nurse monitoring his playing time. Otherwise, Embiid could and should dominate.

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Betting Trends

*all betting trends courtesy of Outlier