76ers vs Knicks Prediction, Odds, Pick for NBA Playoffs Game 1

Key Points:

• The Philadelphia 76ers will face the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday, May 4, at Madison Square Garden, with tipoff at 8:00 p.m. ET and live coverage on NBC and Peacock.
• The Knicks are favored by 7.5 points at home, with a moneyline of -290, while the 76ers are +235 underdogs; the over/under for total points is set at 213.5.
• The 76ers face challenges including potential "Game 7 hangover" effects and uncertainty around Joel Embiid's health, as he is listed probable but with a 60% chance of playing due to a right hip contusion.
• The Knicks are expected to capitalize on their rest and offensive efficiency, with predictions favoring New York to cover the spread and the game total to exceed 213.5 points, based on statistical analysis and playoff scoring trends.
• The betting advice strongly leans toward Knicks -7.5 and the over 213.5 total points, citing historical data on Eastern Conference teams following Game 7s and a projected scoring model that suggests higher-than-expected offensive output.