PREVIEW: The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks will begin an Eastern Conference semifinal series Monday night, when New York hosts Philadelphia in Game 1 of the best-of-seven set. The third-seeded Knicks advanced by dispatching the Atlanta Hawks in six games, while the seventh-seeded 76ers moved on by overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the second-seeded Boston Celtics. The Knicks enter this series with a slight advantage, carrying less injury uncertainty and having the most proven late-game closer in Jalen Brunson. Philadelphia's efficient free throw shooting ranks fourth in the league at 81.0 percent, while their defensive approach allows plenty of three-point attempts at a 43.1 percent rate, ranking 24th. The 76ers counter with a formidable trio peaking at precisely the right moment. Joel Embiid averaged 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists per game against Boston, while Tyrese Maxey and Paul George combined to average 44.3 points and 9.9 assists per game on 59.9 percent true shooting. New York showcases efficient three-point shooting ranked fourth overall and strong defensive rebounding at sixth, but struggles attacking the rim and suffers from inefficient transition play, both ranking 24th. These Atlantic Division rivals last met two years ago in the opening round, with New York earning a tight six-game victory where two games were decided by a single possession and another went to overtime.