Full Breakdown
Game 4 Showdown: Knicks Seek Sweep of 76ers as Spurs Aim for Series Edge Over Timberwolves
5/11/2026, 4:55:29 AM
Game 4 Matchups and Stakes
On Sunday, May 10 2026, the New York Knicks travel to Philadelphia to close out the Eastern Conference semifinal series (3-0) against the Philadelphia 76ers, while the San Antonio Spurs host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis for Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal. The Knicks are 1.5-point road favorites (odds -112) and the Spurs are 4.5-point favorites (odds -185). A Knicks sweep would send New York to its second straight Eastern Conference Finals; a Spurs win would give San Antonio a 3-1 series lead and a chance to clinch the series in Game 5.
Series Context & Stakes
The Knicks have ridden a five-game winning streak, posting double-digit victories in four of those games and posting the league’s best offensive rating (127.7) and defensive rating (96.3) in the postseason. The 76ers, despite a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against Boston, have struggled to score above 100 points in the series. In the West, the Spurs lead the series 2-1 after a 39-point, 15-rebound, five-block performance by Victor Wembanyama in Game 3. The Timberwolves, ranked sixth overall, have kept the series alive with a 62-point win in Game 2 but trail in the road-court.
Key Players & Matchups
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – averaging 28.0 PPG in the playoffs; projected 27.5 points in Game 4.
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers) – averaging 18.6 points this series; under 24.5 points per DraftKings prop. A finger injury may limit his pull-up shooting.
- Joel Embiid (76ers) – listed as probable but “clearly compromised” on both ends.
- Mikal Bridges (Knicks) – primary defender on Maxey, shifting the matchup away from Jalen Brunson.
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) – 21.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.0 blocks per game; dominant interior presence.
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) – 32 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists in Game 3; over 2.5 three-pointers per BetMGM prop.
Statistical Snapshot
- Knicks: +19.7 average margin, 122.2 PPG, 54.9 % field-goal rate, eFG 58.6 % (postseason best).
- 76ers: 102.0 PPG, 46.2 % FG (23rd), 53.1 % eFG (26th).
- Spurs: 4th in 2-point percentage (56.9 %); Timberwolves rank 5th in opponent 2-point defense (52.7 %).
- Total over/under lines: Knicks-76ers 213 points; Spurs-Timberwolves 218.5 points.
Official Statements & Responses
RotoWire notes the Knicks “are in an excellent position to sweep” and highlights the 1.5-point spread as the market’s consensus. CBS Sports projects a Knicks win by 1.5 points and a Spurs win by 4.5 points. The NBA’s official schedule lists the draft lottery to begin at 3 p.m. ET, broadcast before the Knicks-76ers game.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts caution that Joel Embiid’s health remains uncertain and that Tyrese Maxey’s finger injury could depress his scoring, potentially undermining the 76ers’ offense. OG Anunoby is listed as questionable with a hamstring strain, raising concerns about the Knicks’ depth.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Maxey’s status: some list him as a probable starter, others emphasize a finger injury affecting his pull-up shot. Embiid is described both as “probable” and “clearly compromised.” Anunoby’s availability is noted only in select DFS commentary. No official injury updates have been released by team medical staffs.
Verbatim Quote
“They’re pretty damn good from top to bottom, and they don’t let their foot off the gas.” — LeBron James, Lakers star, on the Oklahoma City Thunder
What’s Next
After the games, the NBA Draft Lottery will determine the order of the first 14 picks, with Washington, Indiana and Brooklyn each holding a 14 % chance at the top selection. A Knicks sweep would set up a conference-final clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder; a Spurs victory would move them one win away from a potential series clinch and a Western Conference Finals berth.
