Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid vs New York Knicks (Image via Getty). The Philadelphia 76ers visit the New York Knicks on January 3, 2026, for an Atlantic Division game at Madison Square Garden. Both teams come in dealing with injuries, and those absences could decide how this game plays out.New York has been strong at home, while Philadelphia has held its own on the road. With key players listed as out or questionable on both sides, this game is likely to lean heavily on the stars who are available, especially in the fourth quarter.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Injury report (January 3, 2025)
Philadelphia 76ers will be without Kelly Oubre Jr., who is sidelined with a left knee sprain. Trendon Watford is also out due to a left adductor strain. The biggest question is Joel Embiid, who is listed as probable because of right knee injury management. If he plays, the Sixers gain a clear advantage inside. If not, their frontcourt becomes much thinner.The New York Knicks are also missing important pieces. Josh Hart remains out with an ankle injury and has already missed several games. Mitchell Robinson is listed as probable as he continues to manage his own ankle issue. Landry Shamet is unavailable with a shoulder problem, while Karl-Anthony Towns could return after missing time due to illness.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks When and where to watch (January 3, 2026)
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on NBA TV nationally, with local broadcasts on NBC Sports Philadelphia and MSG Network. Streaming options include NBA League Pass, the ESPN app, and Fubo.
How both teams are playing
New York enters the night at 23-11 and has been one of the league’s best home teams, going 15-3 at Madison Square Garden. Even with recent injuries, the Knicks have stayed competitive by controlling the glass and limiting second chances.Philadelphia is 18-14 overall and 9-6 on the road. Tyrese Maxey has carried the offense, averaging 30.9 points per game, especially when Embiid’s minutes are managed. The Sixers have had success with strong second quarters, but injuries have made it harder to sustain that level across a full game.
Matchups to watch in tonight’s 76ers vs Knicks game
The guard matchup between Maxey and Jalen Brunson will set the tone. Both control the pace and take most of the late-game shots. If Embiid plays, his minutes against the Knicks’ bigs will matter just as much. Bench production is another concern, as both teams are missing rotation players.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Betting outlook (January 3, 2026)
New York is favored by 3.5 points at home. The total sits around 232.5 points. The Knicks are listed between -162 and -166 on the moneyline, with Philadelphia between +136 and +138. Projections lean toward a narrow Knicks win, with recent trends pointing toward another high-scoring game.