Knicks Fall Behind Early as 76ers Claim Seven-Point Lead After First Quarter

Philadelphia 76ers showcase aggressive offense in the first half of the opening quarter, leading the New York Knicks 15-8 with 7:25 remaining. The Knicks' attack stalls with poor shooting across the board, while the 76ers exploit inside-outside combinations behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to build their lead.

Game Rhythm

The 76ers push an extremely fast pace in the quarter, frequently launching shots within 8 seconds of the shot clock, successfully disrupting the Knicks' defensive schemes. On defense, they double Jalen Brunson, forcing the Knicks' offense into stagnation. The turning point came mid-quarter: after Brunson committed back-to-back turnovers and went to the bench, the Knicks were forced to shift their offensive focus to the bench unit, further eroding their efficiency. To扭转局面, the Knicks need to improve their defensive rotation speed and find ways to unlock Brunson's offensive threats.

Odds Movement

Polymarket markets remain heavily favored toward the Knicks winning the series, with Knicks 88% ($39K) versus 76ers 13% ($39K). The first-quarter deficit has yet to shift market confidence, reflecting investor belief that a seven-point gap remains reversible over 48 minutes. However, should the Knicks trail at halftime, expect Knicks odds to undergo a modest correction to the 82-84% range. Markets are watching for the Knicks' second-quarter adjustments.

Second Half Prediction

The early second quarter presents a critical observation window: whether the Knicks' bench can stem the bleeding, Brunson's offensive decision-making upon his return, and whether the 76ers' reserves can sustain the starters' momentum. If the Knicks narrow the margin to within three points within the first six minutes of the second quarter, markets will reprice Knicks' win probability. Conversely, if the gap widens to double digits, the 76ers' upset probability will rise significantly.