Knicks Aim to Bounce Back Against 76ers

New York looks to even season series with Philadelphia before All-Star break

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The New York Knicks (34-20) will take on the Philadelphia 76ers (30-23) in a key Eastern Conference matchup as the two teams conclude their season series. The 76ers currently lead the series 2-1, but the road team has won each game so far. The Knicks are coming off a tough loss to the Indiana Pacers, while the 76ers are looking to rebound from a defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Why it matters

This game has major playoff implications, as the Knicks and 76ers are battling for position in the crowded Eastern Conference standings. A win for the Knicks would even the season series and give them momentum heading into the All-Star break, while the 76ers hope to maintain their edge over their division rival.

The details

The Knicks have been one of the league's hottest teams, winning 9 of their last 11 games. They'll look to Jalen Brunson, who scored 40 points in the loss to Indiana, to lead the way. The 76ers' availability of Dominick Barlow and Joel Embiid will be crucial, as their size and rebounding could give them an advantage against the Knicks' depleted frontcourt. This matchup will likely come down to the battle between Brunson and Tyrese Maxey in the pick-and-roll.

  • The Knicks and 76ers have played three games so far this season, with Philadelphia leading the series 2-1.
  • This will be the final regular-season meeting between the two teams before the All-Star break.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard, who is averaging 23.7 points and 6.2 assists per game this season.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' starting point guard, who is averaging 20.4 points and 3.9 assists per game this season.

Dominick Barlow

A key reserve for the 76ers, who has emerged as a reliable rebounding and scoring presence in the paint.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center, who is averaging 33.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game this season.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to bounce back after that tough loss. The Knicks are a great team, and we know we'll have our hands full, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— Tyrese Maxey, 76ers Guard (Philadelphia Inquirer)

“It's going to be a battle, but we're confident in our ability to get the job done on the road. We've proven we can win in this building, and we're looking forward to the opportunity.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Guard (New York Post)

What’s next

The winner of this game will have the edge in the season series heading into the All-Star break, which could prove crucial in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the East's top teams should be an exciting and hard-fought affair, with the road team looking to continue its success in the season series. The availability of key players like Embiid and Barlow for the 76ers, as well as the Knicks' ability to bounce back from their last loss, will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.