Knicks Lead 76ers 3-0 Entering Game 4 of Eastern Conference Semifinals

The New York Knicks are one victory away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive year. The team holds a 3-0 lead in its second-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers entering Game 4 on Sunday. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 108-94 in Game 3.

Jalen Brunson contributed a clutch performance in the victory, which came after Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia lineup. Oddsmakers have set the Knicks as 1.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -120 for the contest. The 76ers have struggled to generate offense in the series.

The Knicks have posted a 100.7 defensive rating during their current six-game winning streak, according to NBA Advanced Stats. The team has held opponents to 100 or fewer points in five of those six games. Philadelphia's Joel Embiid has been limited at times on offense.

Tyrese Maxey has averaged 18.7 points per game in the series while shooting 1-for-12 from three-point range after posting stronger numbers in the opening round. The 76ers have received limited production from their bench and inconsistent play from starters Paul George and VJ Edgecombe.

The team is playing its fifth game in nine days following a first-round series that extended to seven games.

4 A wager on the 76ers team total to finish under 105.5 points is listed at -105 by BetMGM. The 76ers have appeared a step slower throughout the series. Mikal Bridges has averaged 19.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 64.9 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three-point range.

He has exceeded 21.5 combined points, rebounds and assists in four consecutive games. The over on Bridges' points, rebounds and assists prop is set at 21.5 with odds of -128 at FanDuel. Bridges played for the 76ers organization earlier in his career.

The Knicks last completed a playoff sweep in 1999. A victory on Sunday would send the team to the Eastern Conference finals.