Brunson Delivers When It Counts, Knicks Take 2-0 Series Lead — But Anunoby Injury Clouds Game 3 Props

As ESPN reported, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points Wednesday night to push the Knicks past the 76ers 108-102, giving New York a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This was no blowout — 25 lead changes, 14 ties, and a margin that never exceeded seven points — but Brunson authored the decisive sequence, dropping the tiebreaking bucket with 5:06 left and following it with a jumper that extended the lead to four before Mikal Bridges sealed it at six. The Knicks now control a series they were favored to win, though not without new variables entering the equation.

OG Anunoby's late exit is the biggest storyline heading into Game 3 on Friday in Philadelphia. The forward left hobbling in the closing minutes, went to the locker room, and didn't return to the bench. Head coach Mike Brown offered no update postgame — a silence that typically precedes a more serious status designation. Anunoby finished with 24 points, and his ability to defend, create off the dribble in spot situations, and space the floor is not easily replaced on New York's roster. Karl-Anthony Towns meanwhile posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists — a near triple-double that underscores how much creation burden could shift toward Towns and Brunson if Anunoby misses time.

On the Philadelphia side, Tyrese Maxey dropped 26 points in a Sixers effort that was genuinely competitive despite Joel Embiid sitting out with right hip and ankle injuries. Embiid was scratched after missing the morning shootaround, and while Philadelphia showed last round that it can steal a game without its franchise center — they took Game 2 from Boston while Embiid was still recovering from appendix surgery — going down 2-0 against the Knicks is a steeper hole than that Boston series. The 76ers face a near-elimination dynamic if they drop Game 3 at home.

From a prop perspective, Anunoby's status is the immediate needle-mover. If he's ruled out or limited for Game 3, Brunson's points and assists props become significantly more attractive — he's already operating as the primary creator, and a depleted supporting cast historically inflates his usage ceiling. His 26-point output in a grind game, without garbage time padding, is a clean floor indicator. Watch for his points prop to open in the 26.5–28.5 range for Game 3; given the road environment and tighter possessions expected in Philadelphia, the under on team total might be the sharper play unless Anunoby is confirmed healthy. Towns' PRA line also warrants attention — seven assists in Game 2 suggests he's operating as a secondary playmaker, and if the Knicks lean on the two-man game more heavily, his assists prop could be underpriced.

For Philadelphia, Maxey's points prop is the clearest standalone angle. He's the only consistent offense generator with Embiid sidelined, defenses know it, and yet he still hit 26 in Game 2. In a home game where the Sixers need a win to stay relevant, Maxey's usage will be at a maximum. His scoring prop — likely set near 25.5 — is worth tracking, particularly if the Knicks are short-handed on the wing and forced to throw less rangy defenders at him. The series juice is in New York's corner, but the individual prop market on Maxey and Brunson is where the real edges will live for the next two games.