Are the Knicks better than everyone thought...or are they simply tempting fate? Leaving it late as in Game 2 suggests that maybe it's the former, as even with Jalen Brunson shooting only 29% from the floor in the series (and just 7 of 28 in Game 2), New York still forged a 2-0 lead at MSG vs. the Sixers. Or, are the Knicks standing on the precipice, risking everything collapsing if Brunson doesn't begin to ignite like he did prior to the playoffs, when scoring nearly 36 pg in the first half of April? There are plausible explanations both wasy, but we do know both previous games cleared 204, and each was trending strongly "over" prior to Monday's game. Play Knicks-Sixers "Over"

I liked the Knicks going into this series, but it was plain to see that they could have easily lost both of their home games. Now the Sixers get their home crowd and perhaps the benefit of some 'home cooking' from the officials as it was pretty clear there were some missed calls down the stretch of game 2. The Sixers have played very good defense in spurts and that has led to some erratic play from Jalen Brunson among others. I suspect we see more of the same in Game 3. Great spot for the Sixers to pull away.

The 76ers are coming home desperate after a controversial ending to Game 2. They're expected to get defensive stalwart De'Anthony Melton back in the lineup. With a raucous home crowd behind them, look for the 76ers to take out some frustration and make this series interesting.

The Knicks are up 2-0 despite Jalen Brunson shooting under 30 percent from the field thus far. Don't believe they win on the road if that continues. Obviously a desperation spot for the Sixers, who will get a bit deeper with the expected series debut of guard De'Anthony Melton after he practiced Wednesday. He will be listed questionable just like Joel Embiid surely will.