The record says the current Sixers aren't as bad the 1972-'73 version that finished 9-73, but we're not sure. The long-ago Sixers of Mad Dog Carter and friends also beat the champs-to-be Knicks, Kareem and the Big O's Bucks, and a very good team of Bullets from Baltimore featuring Wes Unseld. To see the current Sixers, even if stripped by injuries, and minus Embiid, Maxey, and George, simply not compete as losses (now eight straight) get progressively worse prompts the question. The Knicks rarely tap the brakes vs. Philly, no matter how downtrodden the Sixers, and hit MSG wining four of five after exploding past the Blazers in the 4th Q on Sunday as OG Anunoby (31 ppg last four) stays on fire. Play Knicks.

The Sixers compete level is low, and that really shows up on the boards. They're allowing opponents 47 rebounds/G over the last 10 games (28th). They also are just 22nd in shooting % in that span, which means abundant defensive rebounding potential for opponents. The Knicks are playing hard and Hart is always scrappy, picking up 12+ rebounds in 3 of his last 5 games. He owns the boards against the Sixers, picking up 17, 17 and 12 rebounds vs them this season. He has 11 or more rebounds in 6 straight games vs Philly. He goes into this knowing another double-digit rebounding game is there for the taking. I don't think this will be such a blowout where he sits the entire fourth quarter.

Out of necessity, Tom Thibodeau is finally giving rookie point guard Tyler Kolek substantial minutes. Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride and Cameron Payne remain out for Tuesday's home game against 23-52 Philly. This has blowout written all over it, which would only increase Kolek's minutes. Kolek has averaged 17.4 minutes and 6.4 assists over the past five games, clearing this prop total four times. Kolek led the nation in assists in 2023-24 at Marquette. The 76ers give up the fifth-most assists (28.5) and over the past three games, they're allowing 31.7 assists.