Here they come. Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and the rest of the young-gunning Philadelphia 76ers are ready to walk into Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day and take on the formidable New York Knicks led by Kristaps Porzingis.
- New York Knicks (17-16)
- Philadelphia 76ers (14-18)
- NBA, East, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2017, ABC, 12 p.m. ET
- Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
The only situation greater would be witnessing the New York Knicks welcoming in another NBA powerhouse during the spotlighted 3 p.m. ET slot on Christmas Day, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.
The exciting Knickerbockers will be playing on Christmas, 2017, when they officially tip-off against the young Philadelphia 76ers at 12 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. It’s one nice showcase for the rebuilding New York City hoops squad while kicking off a five-game NBA slate on the day Santa Claus leaves millions of children ecstatic.
From every angle, it’s a contest filled with anticipation. After clobbering Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, the Knicks have lost two straight (after seeing their record sky to three games over .500). Their most recent defeat came against the Detroit Pistons, the second game of a back-to-back, via Stats LLC.
“It was all downside. It was kind of that way all game, we couldn’t get downhill very much,” Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said. “Jarrett (Jack) was able to do it some, but we only shot six free throws, so there wasn’t a lot of penetration. (We took) a lot of outside shots.”
Philly’s looking to climb to that .500 mark while welcoming back their big-man, Joel Embiid.
“I just think we should have been more aggressive at the start of the game,” 76ers star point guard Ben Simmons said. “Having Joel (Embiid) back, trying to get him the feel and to get him back into his rhythm at the start of the game, so that was a little tough adjusting back to that.”
From all indications, the banged-up Kristaps Porzingis will strap up those sneaks on Monday. Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to be sidelined but is also back on the court making strides to a return.
Courtney Lee missed practice on Sunday due to personal reasons but is expected to be at the Mecca for the game come Christmas Day.
Other Knicks News, Stories:
- Robbie Stratakos explains how this Knicks bench is their deepest and most productive in years.
- Alex Squadron of the New York Post writes how this process isn’t supposed to be “here” yet.
- Marc Berman of the Post reveals the real reason behind the Knicks wacky home-ladened NBA schedule.
From Madison Square Garden, presenting an All-Star production…a story of three promising basketball stars hailing from New York City who rise above the concrete jungle. Next stop, the 2018 NBA All-Star game in LA. VOTE at https://t.co/ky3b9DeWiA pic.twitter.com/NpKBtwM46E
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 23, 2017
For @Kyle_OQuinn, his favorite Christmas memory was spending quality time with his dad. Comment with your favorite ⬇ pic.twitter.com/RRZnXTwziz
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 23, 2017
It’s that special time in NYC. Tell us what you love about the Big ? during the holidays ? pic.twitter.com/UFTeQL5Mo2
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 24, 2017
Spending the holidays with new family. (@BHPhotoVideo) pic.twitter.com/JcQdmlKMPi
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 25, 2017
