Jonas Valanciunas went under his rebound prop on Wednesday night to stop our Look of the Day winning streak, but we're looking to start a new one on Thursday night. Let's head to the City of Brotherly Love for our favorite pick of the NBA playoff slate.
The 76ers host the New York Knicks in a must-win Game 3 on Thursday night, and we're expecting them to get off to a strong start. The Sixers outplayed the Knicks for much of the first two games of the series, but some unfortunate breaks in the fourth quarter sent them back to Philly down 0-2.
Instead of taking the full-game spread, we're focusing on the first quarter because that's when the Sixers are at their best. Joel Embiid's injured knee deteriorates as the game progresses, but he looks the most like himself early on. The reigning MVP will attack the Knicks' frontcourt in the first quarter before his knee starts to affect his mobility, and we've seen him dominate offensively when he's able to move freely.
Philadelphia's role players have been brutal to start the series, but they should play much better in the friendly confines of the Wells Fargo Center. Expect Kelly Oubre, Buddy Hield and others to shoot with more confidence and knock down some much-needed shots out of the gate. De'Anthony Melton could also return to the lineup for Game 3, and he would give the 76ers a huge boost on both ends of the floor.
It's desperation time in Philadelphia, so a strong start will be pivotal on Thursday night.
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