The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are considered the top contenders to challenge the reigning champion Boston Celtics in the East. Both teams have bolstered their rosters in the offseason with significant acquisitions such as Paul George for the Sixers and Karl Anthony-Towns for the Knicks. These moves have enhanced the teams' capabilities to compete for a championship. The Sixers now have a strong third option, while the Knicks have added a dynamic floor spacer who complements the rest of the starting five. Some argue that the Knicks have the best starting five, while others believe that the Sixers possess the most talented big three in the league. In this analysis, I will evaluate which team has the best chance to dethrone the Celtics and advance to the Finals.
It's no secret that the Sixers have the best player and biggest individual mismatch in former MVP Joel Embiid. However, the Knicks still have the more complete team and match up well overall against the Sixers. Wing depth is a major factor as OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are excellent wing defenders who can be trusted to handle the responsibility of guarding Tyrese Maxey and Paul George in clutch time. Also, despite the mismatch with Embiid, the Knicks have multiple players that can be impactful scorers. Brunson proved he is more than capable of being a #1 option after averaging 32.4 points per game last season and nearly leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals. What could make all the difference for the Knicks is having a consistent #2 option in Karl-Anthony Towns, who is coming off a Conference Finals appearance with the Timberwolves.
A major reason why I trust the Knicks to be better than the Sixers comes down to health: despite Embiid's greatness, his injury history has greatly impacted his playoff success. His new teammate Paul George has also dealt with injury issues in his career and betting on both stars to be healthy for a full season is unlikely at best. Though the Knicks already have injury concerns of their own with Mitchell Robinson who is expected to be out until January of next year, they have the pieces to at least temporarily make up for his absence.`
New York and Philadelphia both have the talent to win it all and could face each other in the playoffs once again. Either team will have to get through the Celtics to get to the Finals and the Knicks match up with them the best thanks to their wing depth and defensive versatility. The Knicks enter the upcoming season with their most talented team since 1999 and stand a great chance of ending the Celtics' hope to win back-to-back titles.
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