The Philadelphia 76ers take on the New York Knicks for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
How to Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks on May 4, 2026
You can watch the New York Knicks take on the Philadelphia 76ers live on NBC & Peacock with DIRECTV on May 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks — Game Preview
The New York Knicks (53-29) enter the Eastern Conference Semifinals as one of the East’s most complete teams, having won their first-round series with consistency on both ends of the floor. The Philadelphia 76ers (45-37) punched their ticket to the second round and now face a Knicks squad that has been a problem for them in recent memory. Joel Embiid is listed as probable with a right hip contusion, adding a significant question mark to Philadelphia’s ability to match New York’s frontcourt depth. Jalen Brunson has been exceptional in the 2026 playoffs, averaging 26.3 points per game, and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a triple-double against Atlanta in the first round to underscore just how many ways New York can hurt you.
This is Game 1 of the series.
National TV
NBC
Streaming
Peacock
What Time is the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game Today?
The Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks game starts at 8:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks?
You can watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks on NBC and Peacock.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks — 2026 Playoffs Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Venue | TV | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | May 4, 2026 | 8:00 PM ET | Madison Square Garden — New York, NY | NBC, Peacock | — |
| Game 2 | May 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM ET | Madison Square Garden — New York, NY | TBD | TBD |
| Game 3 | May 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM ET | Wells Fargo Center — Philadelphia, PA | TBD | TBD |
| Game 4 | May 10, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Wells Fargo Center — Philadelphia, PA | TBD | TBD |
| Game 5* | TBD | TBD | Madison Square Garden — New York, NY | TBD | TBD |
| Game 6* | TBD | TBD | Wells Fargo Center — Philadelphia, PA | TBD | TBD |
| Game 7* | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Players to Watch: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid — Center. Embiid is listed as probable with a right hip contusion, and his availability and effectiveness will define Philadelphia’s ceiling in this series. When healthy, he gives the 76ers a matchup problem at the rim that no team in the East can fully solve, and New York’s ability to contain him — or force him to labor through discomfort — may be the defining factor over the first two games at MSG.
Tyrese Maxey — Guard. Maxey has been Philadelphia’s most reliable offensive initiator in the playoffs and brings the kind of pace that makes the Knicks’ half-court defense work harder than it wants to. His ability to get downhill and either finish or draw fouls is the 76ers’ best answer to a Knicks team that will try to slow things down and grind.
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson — Guard. Brunson is averaging 26.3 points per game in the 2026 playoffs and has been the Knicks’ most important player from wire to wire. His footwork in the mid-range and ability to manufacture offense in tight situations are difficult to replicate, and he tends to be at his best when the stakes are highest — exactly the spot the 76ers need to put him in.
Karl-Anthony Towns — Center. Towns averaged 18.7 points per game in the first round and added a triple-double against Atlanta, showing that his value extends well beyond scoring. His ability to stretch the floor and force opposing bigs to guard him out to the three-point line creates lane space for Brunson, and that dynamic will be central to how New York tries to attack a Philadelphia defense built around Embiid’s rim presence.
What is the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks series record?
This is Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. Both teams advanced through the first round, with New York entering as the higher seed after finishing 53-29 in the regular season.
Injury Report: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid (C) — Probable, Right Hip Contusion
New York Knicks
No significant injuries reported.
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