Best NBA prop bets today for Sixers vs. Knicks Game 2 (Joel Embiid should dominate early)

After losing Game 1 in heartbreaking fashion, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to bounce back in Game 2 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

Philly comes into this game as a six-point underdog with both Embiid and Tyrese Maxey listed as questionable.

Rather than take a shot on the Sixers to cover, I have a prop for Embiid – as well as two other plays – for Sixers fans to consider in this matchup. 

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Here’s a look at the best prop bets to place for Game 2 of this Eastern Conference matchup: 

Sixers vs. Knicks best NBA prop bets 

• Joel Embiid OVER 8.5 first quarter points
• Jalen Brunson UNDER 30.5 points
• Mitchell Robinson OVER 7.5 rebounds

Joel Embiid OVER 8.5 first quarter points

Embiid wilted in the second half (due in large part to reaggravating his knee injury in the first half) in Game 1, so I want to take him as a scorer early. 

Embiid had double-digit points in the first quarter on Saturday, cooking Isaiah Hartenstein (he shot 5-for-8 when defended by him for the game) the entire period. He should have more success against him in Game 2, and if Nick Nurse keeps his rotation the same, Embiid will play all 12 minutes in the first quarter.

With the wear and tear on the big man increasing as the game goes on, I expect him to look for his shot early and often tonight. 

Jalen Brunson UNDER 30.5 points

Jalen Brunson has yet to clear 30 points in a single game against Philly, including the playoff win in Game 1 on Saturday.

Brunson shot just 8-for-26 from the field, and he’s struggled against Kelly Oubre and this Sixers defense all season. There were just seven games in the regular season where Brunson shot 30 percent from the field or worse, and two came against the Sixers. 

Here’s a look at how he’s fared against Philly this season: 

• 29 points (11-for-20 shooting)
• 21 points (5-for-18 shooting)
• 19 points (6-for-22 shooting)
• 20 points (7-for-12 shooting)
• 22 points (8-for-26 shooting)

Philly is putting a lot of size on Brunson and trying to take him out of his comfort zones on the floor. So, despite his massive usage, I think the UNDER is the play in this matchup. 

Mitchell Robinson OVER 7.5 rebounds

Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson dominated the glass in Game 1, grabbing 12 rebounds (seven offensive) on his way to a massive game. 

Isaiah Hartenstein struggled to defend Joel Embiid, but Robinson held the reigning MVP to just 2-for-11 shooting from the field. 

Tom Thibodeau rolled with Robinson to close the game, and he played more minutes than Hartenstein in Game 1. If that trend continues, 7.5 rebounds is way too low for the Knicks big man, especially with Embiid limited by his knee injury.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.