The New York Knicks are set to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are receiving a little bit of disrespect heading into the series, as oddsmakers have installed the 76ers as slight favorites.
This is only the second time that a No. 2 seed has been an underdog in a series against a No. 7 seed. The last instance was in 2021 when the Phoenix Suns were the No. 2 seed against the Los Angeles Lakers. Phoenix won that series 4-2, as New York is certainly hoping history repeats itself.
Being listed as underdogs should be motivation for a Knicks team that fought hard all season to earn the No. 2 seed. They had to overcome major obstacles, such as injuries to key players, to get to this point.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Hartenstein, Paul Reed, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks Updates
They are battle-tested and head coach Tom Thibodeau will have them prepared. But, a little extra bulletin board material never hurts, which New York received in the form of some comments made by 76ers backup center, Paul Reed.
While making an appearance on Run It Back on FanDuel TV, Reed spoke about the 76ers wanting to face the Knicks in the first round. He said they are the easier matchup, which holds some truth when the other team the 76ers could have been matched up with is the Boston Celtics.
Alas, no matter how Reed meant it, it comes off as some trash talk and shade being thrown at his opponents. It is something that Knicks fans were riled up about on social media, but players on the team aren’t focused on.
While conducting a press conference on Thursday, center Isaiah Hartenstein was asked about the comments Reed made. It should come as no surprise that he isn’t paying them much mind, instead focusing on his team.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Hartenstein, Paul Reed, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks Updates
“That’s what podcasts do, they get you comfortable and then people just say s–t. We’re focused on us – whatever comments they have, they have,” Hartenstein said, via Knicks Videos on X.
Hartenstein and the Knicks are aware of the comments Reed made, but they aren’t overly worried about it. They are a confident bunch that believes they have what it takes to contend for an NBA Championship. On the court Saturday for Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, is where they will look to prove that.
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