Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Prop Pick: Will Kelly Oubre Jr. Step Up for Sixers in Game 2?
The New York Knicks will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night for Game 2. Can Kelly Oubre Jr. help his team bounce back after an opening loss? Ben Rajavuori is targeting Oubre with his top player prop in 76ers vs. Knicks.
Ben Rajavuori - April 22, 2024, 5:21 PM EDT
5 minPhiladelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Prop Pick: Will Kelly Oubre Jr. Step Up for Sixers in Game 2?
The Philadelphia 76ers will stay in New York to take on the Knicks from Madison Square Garden in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs tonight. Game 1 was a very back-and-forth affair, with each team getting double-digit leads. Ultimately, the Knicks won 111–104.
76ERS VS. KNICKS GAME 2 DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 22, 2024
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: TNT
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Prediction
Besides losing Game 1, the more alarming thing heading into Game 2 for Sixers fans is that Joel Embiid went down hard in the first half on the same knee that he had injured before. He got up gingerly and did play the rest of the game, but it did not seem like he was fully 100% still.
Along with that, Tyrese Maxey is questionable for tonight‘s game with an illness. Maxey did not attend the shootaround this morning and remains questionable with the sickness. I’m assuming he will still play, but his effectiveness will be in question no doubt. This means other players will have to step up for Philadelphia tonight.
One player I love to step up in Game 2 is Kelly Oubre Jr. Oubre did not really make an impact in Game 1, scoring 10 points with three rebounds and one assist. He missed some easy looks under the basket as well, finishing 3-for-7 from the field. However, he did have five steals, a block, and finished +6 in the +/- department. He was one of three Sixers to finish with a positive plus-minus, along with Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry.
He also played 39 minutes in Game 1, which was much above his 30.2 season average. Given that he had a very good defensive game, and finished with a positive plus-minus, I bet he will see close to 40 minutes once again in Game 2. The way I am attacking Kelly Oubre Jr. in Game 2 of this series is by taking him over 17.5 points plus rebounds. His line is very low tonight at 17.5. For most of the season, this line has hung around in the mid-20s and at the lowest has gotten down to 18.5. It was 18.5 in Game 1, and while he went under, I expect him to bounce back in Game 2. Kelly has played the Knicks eight times in the past two seasons, and he has hit 18 or more points plus rebounds in all seven prior to Saturday’s game.
Oubre played the Knicks four times this year, and averaged 16.5 points alone in those games, adding 6.8 rebounds on average as well. With Joel Embiid looking maybe not 100% and Tyrese Maxey dealing with an illness tonight, the role players will have to step up for Philly. With how many minutes Kelly Oubre played in Game 1, the volume will be there for a game to bounce back. Oubre hit this in 22 out of his last 30 games (73%), and I expect him to hit this again tonight.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Pick
Pick: Kelly Oubre Jr. Over 17.5 Points + Rebounds (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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