76ers vs. Knicks Prediction & Props: NBA Odds for Opening Day (Tuesday, Oct. 20)
LeBron James is expected to make his regular-season 76ers debut on Opening Day Tuesday, but my 76ers vs. Knicks prediction and props expect the defending champions to win by margin.
The Knicks are a 4.5-point betting favorite, with tipoff from Madison Square Garden in New York set for 7 p.m. ET (NBC, Fubo). The total is set at 232 (juiced to the Over).
76ers vs. Knicks prediction & props
See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds.
| Pick | Bet size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Knicks -4.5 (-110 via theScore Bet) | 2.2 units to win 2 units | The 76ers will likely need time to build chemistry with James and Brown. |
| Under 232 (-106 via Pinnacle) | 0.53 units to win 0.5 units | The Knicks ranked fourth in defensive efficiency last season, and there likely won't be a noticeable drop-off. |
| LeBron James Under 15.5 points (-111 via DraftKings) | 1.11 units to win 1 unit | James played in just two preseason games, logging 18 and 25 minutes, so he may play fewer minutes than expected after dealing with offseason injuries. |
Total wagered: 3.84 units | Max profit: +3.5 units
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76ers vs. Knicks prediction & best bet
Follow all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.
Knicks -4.5 (-110 via theScore Bet)
The 76ers have brought in James and Jaylen Brown, so this team has become a legit contender in the NBA championship odds. However, it'll likely take time for the 76ers to build chemistry.
Teams have also struggled early in the season historically after bringing in James. The Lakers went 3-8 against the spread (ATS) in their first 11 games in 2018-19, and the Cavaliers went 4-8 ATS in their first 12 contests in 2014-15. I'm not saying that guarantees the Knicks win by five or more points, but it shows that the market has been too optimistic about James' impact early on.
Knicks -4.5 (-110 via theScore Bet) is the best line available among the top NBA betting sites.
Score prediction: Knicks 118, 76ers 111
Best 76ers vs. Knicks player prop bet
LeBron James Under 15.5 points (-111 via DraftKings)
James is 41 years old and was dealing with chronic arthritis in his foot and a lingering lower-back issue in the offseason. He has since played in just two preseason games, logging 18 and 25 minutes, so he may play fewer minutes than expected Tuesday after dealing with offseason injuries.
James is also joining a 76ers team that doesn't need him to be a primary scorer. Jaylen Brown (28.7 PPG in 2025-26), Tyrese Maxey (28.3 PPG), and Joel Embiid (26.9 PPG) all averaged more points per game than James (20.9 PPG) last season, so he'll likely be used more as a pass-first point forward.
James Under 15.5 points (-111 via DraftKings) is the best line available among the top sports betting sites.
Live 76ers vs. Knicks odds
76ers vs. Knicks opening odds
- Moneyline: 76ers +166 | Knicks -198
- Spread: 76ers +5.5 (-110) | Knicks -5.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)
76ers vs. Knicks injuries
How to watch 76ers vs. Knicks
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
- Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Fubo
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