Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey looks on against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Image via: Kyle Ross – Imagn Images
Philadelphia won the first meeting 106-100 on opening night, and the defending champions have had a rough stretch since. Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James lead a Sixers team that is 4-1. Jalen Brunson is carrying a Knicks team that is 2-3 and has lost several close games. A second win would put Philadelphia 2-0 in the season series and give it an early edge in a group that also has the Cavaliers, Heat and Pacers. Both teams arrive with Cup history, since Brunson was the tournament MVP last season and James won the first one in 2023. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists on good efficiency. New York opened 0-3 and has climbed to 2-3. Mikal Bridges is averaging 5.0 points on 27% shooting, and the team has paused extension talks with Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns. The NBA Cup is in its fourth year, and all 30 teams take part.
The New York Knicks visit Xfinity Mobile Arena for the opener of East Group B. ET, and the game is streaming only. Philadelphia has the better record and the steadier start. The Sixers beat a shorthanded Indiana Pacers team in their last game, and their only loss this season came against the Detroit Pistons. The offense has come and gone in stretches. It works well in the half court, but the team keeps leaning on defense for easy baskets in transition. Brunson has found his groove lately, but the Knicks guard has had to carry a heavy load while the noise around the team grows. Six groups of five each play four group games. The six group winners advance, along with the best second-place team in each conference. These games also count toward the regular-season record. The Sixers will wear their red Statement Edition uniforms. The Knicks will be in the white Association Edition.
The Philadelphia 76ers play their NBA Cup game on Friday night, and the opponent is a team they just beat.