Knicks emerge as East favorites after statement win

The second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs is underway, beginning with the Conference Semifinals. Only eight teams remain in contention for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

In the Western Conference, the matchups are:

• (4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (1) Oklahoma City Thunder
• (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (2) San Antonio Spurs

In the Eastern Conference:

• (4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (1) Detroit Pistons
• (7) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (3) New York Knicks

Knicks favorites to win the Eastern Conference

The Knicks struggled early in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, but managed to recover and eliminate them in six games, turning Madison Square Garden into a true fortress thanks to strong fan support.

Now, in the second round, they face a tough challenge against the 76ers, who pulled off a major upset by eliminating the Boston Celtics in a series that went to seven games, aided by the return of Joel Embiid.

Series schedule

(7) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (3) New York Knicks

• Game 1 | 76ers 98–137 Knicks | Madison Square Garden, New York
• Game 2 | Madison Square Garden, New York | Wednesday 6 | 8:00 PM ET
• Game 3 | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia | Friday 8 | 7:00 PM ET
• Game 4 | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia | Sunday 10 | 3:30 PM ET
• Game 5* | Madison Square Garden, New York | Tuesday 12 | TBD
• Game 6* | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia | Thursday 14 | TBD

*If necessary

In Game 1, the Knicks delivered a dominant 137–98 victory over the Sixers, showcasing their strong form at home in Madison Square Garden.

Based on current betting markets, New York has emerged as the favorite to win the Eastern Conference. The odds to take the East are as follows:

• New York Knicks | 38%–40%
• Cleveland Cavaliers | 25%–27%
• Detroit Pistons | 23%–25%
• Philadelphia 76ers | 12%–14%

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