yahoo - 5/7/2026 8:19:57 PM - GMT (+2 )
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If the Philadelphia 76ers are going to pull another comeback out of their butts, it starts with slowing down New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson in Game 3.
Our Knicks vs. 76ers predictions like Philly to bottle up Brunson — or at least keep him below his scoring total — with my NBA picks taking the Under for this May 8 matchup.
Knicks vs 76ers Game 3 predictionKnicks vs 76ers best bet: Jalen Brunson Under 26.5 points (-112)Following his explosion in Game 1, the Philadelphia 76ers had to figure out a better way to defend Jalen Brunson.
The Sixers sent longer defenders at him in Game 2, utilizing Kelly Oubre Jr. and VJ Edgecombe, and Brunson finished just 9-for-21 from the field. The bulk of those shots came inside the key, which will be off limits if Joel Embiid returns in Game 3.
Nick Nurse says the 76ers did an "above average" job defending Jalen Brunson:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 7, 2026
"He certainly wasn't getting near the clearance as he was in Game 1. He was getting practice shots a lot in that game. I think the challenges were much better." pic.twitter.com/cvEFxOIihU
With OG Anunoby questionable, the Knicks’ rotation loses offensive punch, and Philadelphia can afford to put even more emphasis on defending Brunson.
Projections for Brunson are good but not great, ranging from 26.6 to just over 24 points on Friday.
COVERS INTEL: Jalen Brunson has benefited from some “hometown calls” in the playoffs. He’s averaged 6.6 FTM on 7.8 FTA inside MSG but just 3.33 makes on 3.6 free throws on the road. That holds true for the entire season, averaging 6.1 FTM at home vs. 3.5 FTM on the road.The 76ers played with better tempo in Game 2 and traded shots with the Knicks. Philadelphia allowed 56 points in the paint, but getting Embiid back puts an end to those easy looks inside. New York also could be without a significant scorer in Anunoby, leaving them with poor offensive options off the bench.
Paul George came out firing in Game 2 but cooled as the contest played out, still finishing with 19 points in the loss. George has quietly come through for Over bettors on his scoring prop in four of his last five games. He’s forecasted for 17+ points back in Philly on Friday.
Knicks vs 76ers SGP- 76ers moneyline
- Jalen Brunson Under 26.5 points
- Paul George Over 16.5 points
- Spread: Knicks +1 | 76ers -1
- Moneyline: Knicks -105 | 76ers -115
- Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
The Under is 23-18 with the Philadelphia 76ers coming off a loss this season, including 3-1 in the playoffs so far. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. 76ers.
How to watch Knicks vs 76ers Game 3| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Friday, May 8, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Not intended for use in MA.
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