Well, here we go, it’s time for the Knicks to begin their playoff journey against the Philadelphia 76ers. Philly won a thriller at home against the Miami Heat to clinch their spot in the playoffs and come into the postseason as the seventh seed in the East, to take on the two seed Knicks. This feels like it will become one of the more compelling first round matchups in the NBA playoffs, one where a pair of rivals will go at it with stars on both sides. New York has taken some heat from the media for winning the final game of the regular season against the Bulls, which locked them into a matchup with one of the dangerous lower seeds rather than taking on the Pacers in the three versus six matchup. Simply put, this is impossibly silly media commentary. The Knicks wanted to get their 50th win and sitting there “picking” opponents often leads to some regrettable outcomes. If you show up and play your game it shouldn’t matter who you play, so let’s stop the nonsensical noise, and talk about things that really matter, like theme songs.

Culture Crossover

Yes, you read that last line right, before we can actually talk about basketball, we have to breakdown the duel of the theme songs. The Sixers and the Knicks possess two of the best in sports and ignoring them would be malpractice on my part. I apologize in advance for both of these getting stuck in your head for the duration of the series. In one corner we have “Here Come the Sixers,” a groovy 70’s track that was commissioned by the team and recorded by a band led by then team employee Randy Childress. The song became very popular at home games back in the day and has enjoyed a resurgence at Wells Fargo Center home games, as you can typically hear the crowd singing along to it when their squad wins. Everything old is new again, and this oldie deserves its comeback.

In the other corner we have “Go New York Go New York Go,” a MSG staple since the 90’s. The track was written by current Atlanta Hawks minority owner Jesse Itzler, who was at the time a crazed Knicks fan, hyped up for the teams 1994 playoff run to the NBA Finals. Prior to making it big in business, Itzler was a New York rapper under the name of Jesse Jaymes and he approached Knicks GM Dave Checketts about making a song for the team. The song took off during the 94′ season and its iconic, yet clunky lyrics and music video became part of its charm. Finding a way to rhyme “Sharper” and “Harper” takes skill that not even Billy Joel has.

Now that you know the history behind both tracks, and hopefully listened to them, let’s pick a winner. While I am a homer for the Knicks, I have to be honest as a fan of music and give the Sixers the win here. As fun as the Knicks anthem is, there is something about that Sixers theme song that just gets you feeling good. Fear not Knicks fans…I think the Knicks will fare better on the court than on the charts. Let’s get into our actual preview of the series.

The Matchup

Interestingly enough, Las Vegas agrees with the media, as they have made the Sixers favorites to beat the Knicks in round one. We’ll stay away from discussing betting, but the odds certainly do speak volumes for how close this matchup is on paper and based off the work the two teams did in the regular season. You may be asking yourself how a seven seed is on par with a two seed, but the Sixers are no normal seven seed in these playoffs. The majority of their struggles came with dynamic star Joel Embiid injured, as the reining league MVP has been banged up all season. With number 21 in the lineup, Philly is a staggering 31-8, as the big man can take over games on his own.

While its clear they’re a different animal with Embiid on the floor, the Sixers have a solid cast of characters in place, led by the Robin to Embiid’s Batman, Tyrese Maxey. The fourth-year guard is averaging 26 points per game this year and he will absolutely be a factor in this series. Maxey is complimented by veterans Tobias Harris, Kyle Lowry, and Nicolas Batum who is coming off a heroic 20-point performance in the play-in game against the Heat. These veteran depth players will be leaned on, as Sixers coach Nick Nurse has said they will be managing Embiid’s minutes to keep the big man healthy for the duration of the series.

Much like the Sixers, the Knicks have an injury they have to manage during this series themselves. That injured player also happens to be their x-factor in the series, as OG Anunoby will be relied upon to play a key role at both ends of the floor for the Knicks. The Knicks are 20-3 when Anunoby plays, so if he can remain available, he may be able to swing this series towards the orange and blue. Anunoby will be joined by the Knicks solid supporting cast, which features the other two members of the Villanova trio, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, who will need to bring energy and offense to assist Jalen Brunson. Deuce McBride will need to provide points from the bench while Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson will work in tandem down low to defend Embiid in the post, while Precious Achiuwa will sub in to spell them. Staying out of foul trouble will be key for the Knicks interior players if they have a prayer of guarding Embiid.

All of these “supporting players” are acting in service of New York’s star player, Jalen Brunson. Number 11 has had a second straight brilliant season on Broadway, averaging 28 points and six assists per game. He raised his level even further averaging almost 40 points per game down the stretch with Julius Randle injured for an extended period of time. Brunson will likely draw the toughest matchups and double teams so as much as his help will need to be relied on, Brunson will have to play through those tougher spots in games. If he puts together another transcendent stretch in this series, the Knicks are in business. Brunson and his teammates must make controlling the minutes when Embiid is on the bench a priority if they are to take control of this thing. Wasting those opportunities would be a recipe for disaster.

The Prediction

Knicks in 7

I think we’re in for a thriller in this first round matchup, but one that will eventually end in a Knicks series win. Home court will be pivotal in this series and having a potential game seven at the Worlds Most Famous Arena should be enough to put the Knicks over the top. After all, it is the 30th anniversary of the run the Finals, so why not party like its 1994?! Go New York Go New York Go, Knicks in seven.

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