NBA Matchups: November 8

New York Knicks (back end) at Philadelphia 76ers (front end)

Team Totals: Knicks 103.8, 76ers 108.3

Injury Report: Knicks not submitted yet, Danny Green (Q, hamstring), Tobias Harris (O, protocols), Matisse Thybulle (O, protocols)

Knicks projected starters: Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, R.J. Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson

76ers projected starters: Tyrese Maxey, Seth Curry, Danny Green, Paul Reed, Joel Embiid

Thibodeau quotes: Said the bench was great on Friday, said Nerlens Noel was “phenomenal” in the second unit, said the bench unit has so many guys who can score off the dribble, said Toppin runs the floor very well on Sunday, said Derrick Rose continues to play how he always plays, said they weren’t ready to play, said their defense wasn’t very good against the Cavs, said Noel is still “working his way back.”

Rivers quotes: Said they had excellent execution late and the ball went to the right player every time (beat the Bulls), said they know Furk will shoot it if he’s open, mostly talked about his 1,000th win, said Shake was outstanding on the defensive end, said Shake is asking to guard top perimeter guys now, said he liked the two-PG lineups with Shake and Maxey.

Stats and Notes: 

*Philly’s offense has been hitting on all cylinders at No. 1 overall and first in halfcourt while the Knicks are third overall and fifth in halfcourt. The Knicks’ defense has been vulnerable in transition so far this season, so that can help guys like Maxey and Shake. Plus, the Knicks’ starters have actually been torched on defense with a 119.3 D rating, so the 76ers should be able to put points on the board.

*Embiid has been busy as the 76ers have been feeding him with 55 frontcourt touches in his last three games over just 32.7 minutes. Embiid was horrible in his first game against Mitchell Robinson, but he did produce in the last two years in a small sample (50 minutes combined). Without Tobias, Embiid should have a massive upside, assuming he plays in this end of the B2B.

*Doc was definitely open to trotting out the two-PG lineup, so they might be rolling with it again if no Danny Green. Obviously, Doc is fine letting Maxey go with 44 and 45 minutes in his last two games, and he should be able to take advantage of Kemba here. Shake is also in a good spot, assuming no Danny Green (Green just has tightness, so he might be back today).

*Julius Randle just isn’t as involved in the offense these days with a 24.6 usage rate in his last seven games, down from 28.5 last year. His frontcourt touches are down seven per game in that span compared to last year, but this might be a good spot for him with the 76ers lacking some size at forward. He might be able to take advantage of BBall Paul, too. Reed could be a solid option if he’s starting, too.

*It’s possible the Knicks rest someone today after resting Kemba Walker, and you would think it’s Nerlens Noel given his 30 minutes yesterday and Thibs’ comments. That could help Mitch get some run if he can avoid foul trouble. Thibs would likely up his minutes if he can get it going.

Brooklyn Nets (back end) at Chicago Bulls