New York at Philadelphia

The Knicks led 58-54 at halftime of the season opener ten days ago and lost 106-100, outscored 52-42 after the break. Philadelphia won that game shooting 41.9% from the field and 27.5% from three, and it had 28 assists against 10 turnovers. Jalen Brunson went 6-for-19 from the floor. The Sixers are 4-1 since, with the latest a 114-109 win over Indiana on Wednesday. New York is 2-3 and 1-4 against the spread, and its 133-127 win over Chicago on Wednesday came after it allowed 127 points. Jaylen Brown is questionable with left knee soreness on the NBA's Thursday injury report, a day after he played against the Pacers. LeBron James and Joel Embiid carry no designation. James had 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the opener; Embiid grabbed 11 rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey scored 28 on 9-of-19 shooting with eight free throws made. That core beat the defending champions on a night when its shots were not falling, which is why I expect Philadelphia to hold its own in this game. Philadelphia, with the points, is the right side on the spread tonight.