For the second time in three years, the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks will face off against each other in a playoff series.
The Knicks bested the Sixers in six games in the first round of the postseason back in 2024, and now the Sixers will get a shot at revenge in the second round this year.
The two teams are familiar with each other as they met four times during the regular season. The Sixers won the first two meetings, while the Knicks came out on top in the two most recent matchups. So, when it comes to the postseason series, the players kind of know what to expect.
Tyrese Maxey Expects a Tough, Competitive Series Against the New York Knicks
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass as Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks defends during the second half in game one of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2024 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The last playoff matchup between New York and Philly was two years ago, but Sixers star guard Tyrese Maxey remembers how it felt to come up short. He also remembers how physical and competitive the series was, and he expects the same thing in the rematch this time around.
“I mean, that was what, two years ago? So, it’s in the past, and it definitely didn’t feel good at the time being. It was a very competitive series. I think we ended up losing 4-2, but the margin was like, minus-1 or something like that. It was really close,” Maxey said.
“So I expect nothing less. I expect nothing less, man, actually, more. That was a first-round matchup. This is a second-round matchup. So I think both teams are going to come out there and be extremely competitive.”
76ers, Knicks Both Added Key Pieces Since Last Playoff Matchup
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 03: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on January 03, 2026 in New York City. The Philadelphia 76ers won 130-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Both teams looked different when they met in the playoffs in ’24.
The Knicks didn’t have Karl-Anthony Towns and the Sixers didn’t have Paul George. The Sixers also didn’t have rookie guard V.J. Edgecombe, who was very impressive in Philadelphia’s closeout victory over Boston, tallying 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 44 minutes.
So, it’s going to be a completely different series between two historic franchises that are starving for an NBA championship. It promises to be a very entertaining, and likely competitive, string of games.
76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Shares Expectations for Playoff Series Against Knicks