76ers-Knicks news: How the Sixers match up against New York; Joel Embiid status updates

This season, the Sixers and Knicks split their four regular-season matchups, though the last occurred in mid-February. And some key characters on both sides have changed since their last postseason showdown.

The Knicks made all-in blockbuster trades for All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and wing Mikal Bridges, who helped them advance last season to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 but often have become the subject of harsh outside criticism.

The Sixers, meanwhile, signed Paul George and drafted VJ Edgecombe, creating what Embiid called a “much better team” that is “in sync” on both ends of the floor this time around. Coach Nick Nurse also commended the way the Sixers responded to Boston’s first-round punches, including two dreadful blowout losses and the palpable intensity of Game 7.

The overwhelming caveat while evaluating the matchup between the 76ers and the New York Knicks is whether Joel Embiid can remain healthy enough to play at this level for another series.

He alluded that he was “dealing with some stuff” — aka Bell’s palsy that paralyzed part of his face, along with the aftermath of knee surgery — during his last playoff series against the Knicks. This year, he is still less than a month removed from an appendectomy. During Game 7, Embiid was limping late in the game after Tyrese Maxey inadvertently fell into his legs, and television cameras caught him doing some elaborate full-body stretches while laying on the floor.

“I feel great. I feel amazing,” Embiid said again, after acknowledging after Game 6 that is what his brain has been telling him. “I was faking it [the previous injuries].”

The Sixers aren't the only team to comeback this postseason.

The Detroit Pistons also overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic, winning their Game 7 matchup Sunday night 116-94.

Cade Cunningham had 32 points and 12 assists, while former Sixer Tobias Harris put up 30 points in the Pistons' win.

The Sixers will kick off their second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks on NBC, with tipoff scheduled just after 8 p.m. The game will stream on Peacock, NBC's subscription service.

Calling the game will be Noah Eagle, who handled play-by-play for Saturday's Game 7 win against the Celtics. Joining Eagle will be Grant Hill and Robbie Hummel, with Ashley ShahAhmadi reporting courtside from Madison Square Garden.

Sixers Pregame Live will air on NBC Sports Philadelphia+ at 7:30 p.m., featuring Amy Fadool Kane, Jim Lynam, and Marc Jackson. The trio will also host postgame coverage following the game.