For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks will hold a championship at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, and then open the 2026-27 NBA season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks swept the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season en route to the championship, but the Sixers will look very different after trading Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James. The last Knicks vs. 76ers odds New York as a 4.5 point favorite at home, and the over/under rose to 232.5, after opening 231. James to record a double-double in his 76ers debut price +195 (risk $100 win $195). Apply to Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 here now and get a $55 bonus after $25 in arts:
Tipoff for the 76ers vs. Knicks is set for 7 pm ET at Madison Square Garden. SportsLine’s proven computer model and one of its NBA Opening Night experts have developed their Knicks vs. The 76ers have revealed their predictions, and you can also read ours. NBA betting Here is a preview for Tuesday’s matchup. Shout the latest Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS to get a $25 bonus after $10 in gear:
Knicks vs. 76ers betting preview
The New York Knicks won championships in 1969 and 1973, but went dormant for more than 50 years, despite being one of the league’s most popular franchises and making dozens of playoff appearances. After three straight Eastern Conference semifinal exits under Tom Thibodeau, Mike Brown was finally able to unlock the magic of Jalen Brunson and the rest of the roster. Brunson won NBA Finals MVP honors in a 4-1 triumph over the Knicks and begins the season as a +5000 long shot to win NBA MVP this season.
Meanwhile, the 76ers pushed all their chips toward the middle of the table in an effort to end their 44-year title drought. Brown and James join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in a loaded starting five that now includes two former NBA MVPs (James and Embiid), two other All-Stars (Brown and Maxey) and an All-Rookie selection from a season ago. However, can the Sixers stay healthy enough to run through an 82-game season, and do they have the necessary depth to win the East? Claim $200 in bonus bets and three free months of NBA League Pass with your first $5 bet at DraftKings here:
Knicks vs. 76ers reads, best bets
- Knicks -4.5 (-115)
- under 232.5 points (-115);
Knicks -4.5 (-115)
The 76ers surprised everyone by eliminating the Celtics in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, but fell to the ground when they were swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. That pushed the franchise to make some big moves this offseason, as they traded Jaylen Brown and convinced LeBron James to sign a modest contract in free agency. However, the Knicks have still won 13 of 16 head-to-head matchups over the last three seasons, including the playoffs, and nine of those wins have been by double digits. The model predicts that it covers New York in 57% of simulations. Bet on the NBA at bet365 with a CBSBET365 bonus and $200 in bonus bets after betting $10:
under 232.5 points (-115);
This 76ers line has the potential to be the best in NBA history, but it will take time for them to figure out something effective to share with many basketball players. Meanwhile, the Knicks ranked 27th in the NBA last season, and they will be more than happy to take some air off the ball and play in the middle court game. The Sixers counted 15 in pace last season, and now the 42-year-old is likely one of the primary ballhandlers. The model predicts that these two teams will be combined for 20 points on average and under hits in 61% of simulations. Use the BetMGM CBSSPORTS bonus to get up to $1500 in bonus bets: