RealGM Basketball Wiretap

14 February 2026

• Joel Embiid Misses Loss To Knicks Due To Injury Management, Will Be Re-Evaluated After All-Star Break

  Joel Embiid missed the Philadelphia 76ers' 138-89 loss to the New York Knicks due to right knee injury management.

  Embiid will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break.

  Embiid felt soreness in his knee following last Saturday's win over the Suns. He then sat Monday's loss versus the Blazers.

  The soreness has reportedly decreased since Saturday.

  "I think anybody that's a little sore and dinged up can get some treatment for a week and get off their feet for a week," Nick Nurse said, "and he's certainly included in that."

  The Sixers play the Hawks on February 19.

• How to watch New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers NBA game

  Scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET, this matchup serves as a critical litmus test for two franchises navigating disparate trajectories in the Eastern Conference standings. While the Knicks have emerged as a dominant force and the reigning NBA Cup champions, the 76ers are grappling with the administrative and physical fallout of a season defined by roster volatility.

  Start an ESPN subscription todaySign up

  The New York Knicks enter the February 11 contest as one of the most formidable units in the Eastern Conference, a status solidified by their historic win in the 2025 NBA Cup. Under the disciplined leadership of head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have engineered a season defined by statistical dominance and a relentless physical identity. As of mid-February, the team maintains a 34-20 record, placing them second in the Atlantic Division and third in the overall conference standings, just five games behind the conference-leading Detroit Pistons.

  The Knicks' success is predicated on an elite offensive infrastructure, currently ranking third in the NBA with an offensive rating of 119.8.This efficiency is driven by the stellar play of Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 27.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. Brunson's ability to manipulate defensive rotations has been enhanced by the offseason acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns, who has provided a new dimension of floor-spacing and interior rebounding. Towns is currently averaging 11.9 rebounds per game, anchoring a Knicks unit that ranks fourth in the league in total rebounds at 46.2 per contest.

  The Philadelphia 76ers approach the February 11 game with a 30-23 record, a figure that masks the significant turmoil the franchise has endured over the first two-thirds of the season. Currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers are focused on securing a guaranteed playoff spot while managing the absence of key personnel. The team's campaign was dramatically altered on January 31, 2026, when the NBA announced a 25-game suspension for star forward Paul George due to a violation of the league's anti-drug program. George's absence has removed a vital defensive wing and secondary scorer, leaving the team to rely heavily on its younger core.

  How to watch New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  Comprehensive streaming services provide access to both the national ESPN feed and the regional sports networks (RSNs) necessary for local viewing. Fubo remains a primary partner, offering the game to subscribers along with a free trial option for new users. YouTube TV similarly carries all games broadcast on ESPN and the NBC networks, making it a viable solution for fans in both Philadelphia and New York.

  Sling TV offers a more modular approach, with the game available via the Sling Orange or the Orange & Blue packages, which include ESPN as a core channel. For those within the team markets, DIRECTV Stream provides a path to viewing the game through its inclusion of regional sports networks like MSG and NBC Sports Philadelphia.

  How to watch New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  The New York Knicks are expected to field a starting unit anchored by Jalen Brunson at point guard and Landry Shamet at shooting guard, a configuration that addresses the absence of the injured Miles McBride. The forward positions will likely be manned by Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, the latter of whom has seen increased minutes and usage as a primary playmaker in recent weeks. Karl-Anthony Towns will start at center, serving as the team's primary offensive hub and rim protector, a role that becomes even more critical if OG Anunoby remains sidelined with his toe injury. This projected lineup emphasizes floor spacing and ball movement, designed to test Philadelphia's 17th-ranked defense in opponent field goal percentage.

  The Philadelphia 76ers' starting lineup is currently contingent on the status of Joel Embiid. If cleared to play, Embiid will return to his role as the starting center, flanked by Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford at the forward positions. The backcourt remains the team's greatest strength, featuring Tyrese Maxey and the rookie standout V.J. Edgecombe. However, should Embiid be ruled out for knee management, Andre Drummond is the designated starter at center, which would significantly alter Philadelphia's defensive scheme from a rim-protection focus to a more aggressive rebounding and transition-heavy style. The absence of Paul George continues to necessitate heavy minutes for rotation players like Kyle Lowry and Quentin Grimes, who must provide the perimeter defense and veteran stability required to contain the Knicks' high-octane backcourt.

  Start an ESPN subscription todaySign up

  Head-to-Head Series History

  The rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers has intensified during the 2025-26 season, with the two teams meeting three times prior to their February 11 encounter. The season series is currently led by the 76ers, who secured two victories in the early stages of the campaign. The initial meeting on December 19, 2025, saw Philadelphia emerge with a 116-107 win at Madison Square Garden, a game defined by the Sixers' efficient perimeter shooting. This was followed by a more decisive 130-119 victory for Philadelphia on January 3, 2026, where Tyrese Maxey's scoring outbursts overwhelmed the Knicks' perimeter defense.

  However, the tide began to turn in the most recent matchup on January 24, 2026, when the Knicks secured a hard-fought 112-109 victory at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. That game, the Knicks' superior rebounding and interior presence, led by Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart, allowed them to overcome a high-scoring night from the Philadelphia backcourt.

  Over their last five head-to-head regular-season games, the statistical profiles of the two teams remain remarkably close. Philadelphia has averaged 116.4 points per game in these matchups, shooting 50.2% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. Conversely, the Knicks have averaged 110.2 points, with a significant advantage on the boards, collecting 50.8 rebounds per game compared to Philadelphia's 37.2. The differnce in second-chance opportunities has become a defining statistic in the season series, as New York seeks to use its size to negate Philadelphia's superior shooting efficiency.

• Sixers Convert Dominick Barlow From Two-Way Deal To Multi-Year Standard Contract

  The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Dominick Barlow to a multi-year standard NBA contract.

  Barlow appeared in 40 games with 33 starts for the 76ers after signing a two-way contract on July 9, 2025. The forward averaged 8.4 points on 55.0 percent shooting, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per contest.

  The New Jersey native has averaged 14.7 points on 55.8 percent shooting, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over his past three games. His recent surge in production helped convince Philadelphia to offer a standard contract.

  Barlow scored in double figures on 17 occasions this season. He posted career highs of 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting and ten offensive rebounds with 16 total boards against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 2.

  The San Antonio Spurs originally signed Barlow to a two-way contract as an undrafted free agent on July 10, 2022. He has produced 5.4 points on 53.3 percent shooting, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 136 career games with 38 starts over three NBA seasons.

  Barlow previously played for the Spurs from 2022-24 and the Atlanta Hawks during the 2024-25 campaign before joining Philadelphia. He is represented by Todd Ramasar.

• Sixers Sign Patrick Baldwin Jr. To 10-Day Contract

  The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Patrick Baldwin Jr. to a 10-day contract. The forward joins the 76ers after averaging 21.6 points with the San Diego Clippers in the G League.

  Baldwin appeared in 25 games for the LA Clippers' G League affiliate, shooting 53.2 percent from the field while adding 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in 33.6 minutes per contest.

  The Wisconsin native recorded three double-doubles with San Diego. He posted a career-high 36 points on 14-of-25 shooting against the Iowa Wolves on Jan. 10.

  Baldwin appeared in two games for the LA Clippers this season after signing a 10-day contract on Jan. 16. He scored eight points on 3-of-3 shooting from the field, including 2-of-2 from three-point range, against Brooklyn on Jan. 25.

  Golden State selected Baldwin Jr. with the 28th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He is averaging 3.7 points on 40.9 percent shooting and 2.0 rebounds across 95 games with the Warriors, Wizards, and Clippers.

• Charles Bassey Signs 2nd 10-Day Contract With Sixers

  The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Charles Bassey to a second 10-day contract. Bassey is represented by Adie von Gontard and Daveed Cohen.
  
  Bassey signed his first 10-day contract with Philadelphia on Jan. 26, 2026, and appeared in two games for the Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers' NBA G League affiliate, averaging 22.0 points on 70.4-percent shooting (60.0 3FG%), 16.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 34.4 minutes. In both contests, Bassey recorded a double-double with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
  
  The Nigerian native has appeared in 12 games (11 starts) for the Delaware Blue Coats and the Santa Cruz Warriors this season, averaging 19.2 points on 61.3-percent shooting (44.0 3FG%), 11.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks in 28.9 minutes.
  
  Originally selected by Philadelphia in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2021 NBA Draft, Bassey is averaging 4.3 points on 62.5-percent shooting and 4.3 rebounds in 115 games with the 76ers, Spurs, and Grizzlies.

• Sixers Trade Eric Gordon, 2032 2nd Rounder To Grizzlies

  The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Eric Gordon and a 2032 second round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies. The move creates the flexibility for the Sixers to convert Dominick Barlow from a Two-Way deal to a standard NBA contract.

  Gordon has appeared in just six games this season with the Sixers and is averaging 5.5 points in 12.3 minutes.

  Barlow has appeared in 40 games and is averaging 8.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in 23.9 minutes as he runs out of Two-Way games.

• Thunder Acquire Jared McCain From Sixers

  The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers for the Houston Rockets' 2026 first round pick and three second round picks.

  McCain was having a promising rookie season last year before his meniscus injury. With the Sixers also having Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the backcourt, McCain's place in their hierarchy became less essential.

  The Sixers will have flexibility to re-sign Quentin Grimes in free agency in 2026 and also convert Dominick Barlow from his Two-Way to a standard NBA deal.

• Paul George Suspended 25 Games For Violating Anti-Drug Program

  Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violation the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. George will begin serving his suspension with Saturday's game between the Sixers and the New Orleans Pelicans.

  George took responsibility for the suspension, telling ESPN: "Over the past few years, I've discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.

  "I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."

  Philadelphia has 35 games remaining this season. That means George could return with 10 games to play in the regular season, starting with the 76ers home game on March 25.

  George has played in 27 of Philadelphia's first 47 games. The veteran forward has averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. George has shot 42.4% from the field, including 38.2% on 6.4 three-point attempts per game.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Wolves, Sixers On List Of Potential Teams

  Giannis Antetokounmpo has had the Minnesota Timberwolves on his list of teams he would be interested in joining dating back to last offseason, sources tell The Stein Line. Antetokounmpo finds the idea of teaming up with Anthony Edwards appealing to him. Antetokounmpo feels similarly about Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers.

  The Wolves are limited in what they can send out in terms of future draft capital and would almost certainly need another team to highly value Jaden McDaniels in order to construct a package attractive enough for the Milwaukee Bucks to take it compared to what other teams could potentially offer.

  Tim Connelly is known as one of the more aggressive executives in the NBA, evidenced by his trades for Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Last year, the Wolves attempted to trade for Kevin Durant.

  If the Bucks wait to trade Antetokounmpo until the offseason, the Wolves could gain access to two additional first round picks to offer.

  At this point, sources say the Sixers have not contacted the Bucks about a potential Antetokounmpo trade. Maxey, like Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, works out with NBA trainer Drew Hanlen.

• Sixers Open To Trading Andre Drummond

  The Philadelphia 76ers are open to trading center Andre Drummond ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Drummond is on an expiring $5 million contract this season. The emergence of Adem Bona as a legitimate backup center lessens the 76ers need to keep Drummond on the roster behind Joel Embiid.

  Moving Drummond without little to no salary coming back in return would put the Sixers within range of avoiding the luxury tax. It would also open an additional roster spot for Philadelphia, who may want to convert both Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker from their two-way contracts.

  The 76ers could also move veteran guard Eric Gordon, who is on a veteran minimum deal. That would save Philadelphia roughly $2.3 million towards the luxury tax. As with Drummond, it would also open a roster spot.