Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and guard Tyrese Maxey (0). Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Draymond Green backs Sixers to derail Knicks

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/19/24

Draymond Green believes the Philadelphia 76ers will overcome the New York Knicks. The two franchises are set to face off in the marquee matchup of the Eastern Conference opening round of the playoffs.

On Thursday, Sixers big man Paul Reed stoked the flames by claiming the team wanted to face the Knicks. He believed they were an easier opponent than the Boston Celtics.

Philadelphia would have faced the conference leaders if it had lost to the Miami Heat in the opening play-in tournament game and won its second outing.

Despite Isaiah Hartenstein playing down Reed's comments, Green agrees that New York is the easier opponent.

"Paul Reed said it, I ain't say it," Green said. "But, we know that's the reality. The New York Knicks are way easier to beat than the Boston Celtics. In fact, I got the Philadelphia 76ers beating the New York Knicks. Because, who's going to stop Joel? ... The Miami Heat, which we know would probably beat the Knicks, too. That's neither here nor there...I got Philly for sure. Because nobody is stopping Joel."

The Knicks will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on Joel Embiid's perceived lack of fitness. He recently returned from meniscus surgery, but there's no guarantee his body will sustain a playoff series or a potentially deep playoff run. New York plays a physical brand of basketball, and it will undoubtedly look to grind Philadelphia to a halt.

Reed's comments have added another layer of competitiveness to the matchup. Both teams will feel they have something to prove now. Green publicly supporting the Sixers will play directly into the Knicks' underdog mentality.

Green understands what it takes to win a championship. He has four rings to his name. However, it's hard to predict how a series will play out.

The Sixers are certainly the favorites heading into Game 1. Yet, Embiid's fitness will be the ultimate swing factor. If he's incapable of leading the way, the Knicks won't seem easy to beat after all.

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