Knicks vs. 76ers prediction: NBA odds, picks, bets for Friday

Get the free Action Network app for expert picks, live odds, bet tracking and more. The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers hook up in an Atlantic Division battle on Friday night at Wells Fargo Center. After missing four games with an ankle injury, Joel Embiid returned on Tuesday to lead Philadelphia past Chicago, 110 97, as 9.5 point home favorites.

The Sixers jumped out to a 25 point advantage after one quarter and cruised as Embiid posted a triple double with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. The Knicks are fresh off consecutive home wins over the Timberwolves and Bulls. New York easily cashed as eight point favorites against Chicago, 116 100, on Wednesday.

Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson combined for 66 points for the Knicks, as New York improved to 6 1 in the last seven games at Madison Square Garden. The road has been a different story for the Knicks, who own a 3 7 record in the past 10 games away from MSG and are a middling 9 10 1 against the spread this season on the road.

Philadelphia captured two of three matchups from New York last season, including an 11 point victory at Wells Fargo Center. The two division rivals meet for the first time this season as they have split the last four matchups in Philadelphia. The 76ers are 7 1 in the past eight home games and received a much needed boost from Embiid returning to the lineup.

Let’s lay the points with Philadelphia here against a New York team still trying to integrate new players from its trade last week and one that has been shaky on the road of late. The play: 76ers 5.5 ( FanDuel )..