Fox Sports Analyst Picks 76ers to Cover Spread in Game 3 vs Knicks Without Anunoby

The New York Knicks lead the Philadelphia 76ers 2-0 in their NBA playoff second-round series, but a Fox Sports analyst predicts the 76ers will cover the -1.5 spread in Game 3. The analyst, who placed a max bet on the series going at least six games with an 8-1 record on such NBA picks over the past three years, expressed concern over the Knicks' lead.

The Knicks advanced past the Atlanta Hawks in four games, winning both losses by one point each with chances to take the final possession. They appear as one of the playoff's top teams, healthy and deep without overplaying the regular season. Coach Mike Brown has not made major changes, though depth has improved from last season.

Game 3 brings challenges for New York. OG Anunoby faces a likely absence due to a minor hamstring strain, similar to the 76ers' rest strategy with Joel Embiid. The 76ers handle missing stars better, as Embiid skips more games than he plays and Paul George served a suspension this season.

Philadelphia struggled at home in the regular season and won just one of three playoff games there. Still, this matchup feels like do-or-die. Without Anunoby, one of the Knicks' top defenders and postseason scorers, the 76ers gain edges. Embiid returns for a boost, while Tyrese Maxey seeks a breakout after fading in the second half of Game 2.

The analyst expects Maxey and Embiid to perform well with a loud home crowd. A Knicks team nursing a minor injury, paired with Philadelphia's returning star and home court, sets up a 76ers win. A loss here risks a sweep. Those who bet the over 5.5 games, like the analyst, might consider a unit on the Knicks but should check the injury report first. The pick: Philadelphia -1.5.