76ers vs knicks

76ers vs. Knicks: Why Tonight’s Game Is a Must-Watch (And Where to Find It)

Basketball fans in the Northeast are in for a treat tonight as the Philadelphia 76ers face off against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. But here’s the twist: this isn’t just another regular-season matchup. With a major shift in broadcasting rights, a heated rivalry reigniting, and playoff implications already in the air, this game is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about of the 2025 NBA season.

For the first time in years, tonight’s game won’t air on NBC Sports Philadelphia — a move that has left many Sixers fans scrambling for their remotes. Instead, the game is part of a new Amazon Prime-exclusive broadcast package, marking a pivotal moment in how NBA games are consumed across the country.

Let’s break down why this game matters, what’s changed, and how fans can still catch the action — even if it’s not on their usual channel.

The Big Change: No NBC Sports Philly? What Gives?

If you’ve been flipping through the channels looking for the Sixers-Knicks game on NBC Sports Philadelphia, you’re not alone. As confirmed by The Philadelphia Inquirer, tonight’s game won’t be broadcast on the regional sports network — a rare occurrence for a high-profile Eastern Conference clash.

Instead, the game is part of a new Amazon Prime Video exclusive package for select NBA matchups. According to The Inquirer, this shift reflects the league’s broader strategy to expand digital streaming and reach younger, tech-savvy audiences who prefer on-demand access over traditional cable.

“The Sixers are back, but tonight’s game won’t air on NBC Sports Philadelphia,” reports The Inquirer. “Fans will need to tune in via Amazon Prime Video.”

This isn’t the first time the NBA has experimented with streaming exclusives, but it is one of the first times a marquee game between two playoff-caliber teams — and two of the league’s most passionate fanbases — has been pulled from local TV.

For fans, the immediate question is: How do I watch?

How to Watch the 76ers vs. Knicks Game (Dec. 19, 2025)

• Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (included with Prime membership)
• Tip-Off Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
• Radio Broadcast: 97.5 The Fanatic (Philadelphia), ESPN NY 98.7 (New York)
• No Local TV: Not available on NBC Sports Philadelphia or MSG Network (for out-of-market fans)

Amazon has been investing heavily in live sports, and this game is a test case for how traditional regional broadcasts can coexist — or compete — with national digital platforms.

Recent Updates: What We Know (and What’s Still Unclear)

The NBA and team officials have confirmed a few key details about tonight’s game:

✅ Verified Updates (Based on Official Sources)

1. Broadcast Shift: As reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, the game is exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and will not air on NBC Sports Philadelphia or MSG Network.
2. Game Preview: The official NBA.com preview confirms the date, time, and location. It also includes the injury report: - Joel Embiid (76ers): Questionable (left knee soreness) - Tyrese Maxey (76ers): Probable (right ankle sprain) - Julius Randle (Knicks): Out (right shoulder strain) - Mitchell Robinson (Knicks): Out (left foot surgery)

3. Rivalry Renewed: Posting and Toasting, the Knicks’ official SB Nation blog, notes this is the first meeting of the season between two teams expected to battle for the No. 3–5 seeds in the East.

4. Playoff Implications: Both teams are hovering around .500 early in the season. A win here could set the tone for a competitive division race.

⚠️ What’s Still Unconfirmed (Use with Caution)

• Amazon’s Broadcast Team: While Amazon has used NBA talent for past exclusives, the exact commentary team for tonight hasn’t been officially announced. (Rumors suggest a mix of former players and national analysts.)
• Fan Reaction in Philly: While anecdotal, social media buzz suggests frustration among older fans unfamiliar with streaming. Some local bars in South Philly are hosting “Prime Viewing Parties” to help bridge the tech gap.
• Future Exclusives: The NBA hasn’t confirmed how many more games will go Prime-only this season. But league insiders (unverified) suggest this could become a quarterly feature for high-demand matchups.

The 76ers vs. Knicks Rivalry: More Than Just a Game

While the Lakers-Celtics and Warriors-Rockets get more national attention, the 76ers-Knicks rivalry is one of the most underappreciated in the NBA — and it’s heating up again.

A Brief History of the Battle for the Northeast

• 1970s–1980s: The rivalry peaked when the Knicks were led by Walt “Clyde” Frazier and the Sixers by Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Multiple playoff clashes, including the 1977 Eastern Conference Finals, cemented the tension.
• 2000s: The rivalry cooled as both teams cycled through rebuilding phases. But the 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals — where Allen Iverson’s “Stepover” game against Tyronn Lue became iconic — reignited fan passion.
• 2020s: With both teams now playoff contenders, the stakes are higher. The 2023 playoffs saw the Sixers eliminate the Knicks in a dramatic Game 6 — a loss that still stings in the Bronx.

“This isn’t just about seeding,” says Posting and Toasting. “It’s about pride. The Knicks want revenge. The Sixers want to prove they’re still the team to beat in the East.”

The New Era: Embiid vs. Brunson

The modern rivalry is defined by two stars: - Joel Embiid (76ers): The reigning MVP (2023), a dominant force in the paint, and a vocal leader. - Jalen Brunson (Knicks): The 2024 All-NBA guard who’s turned the Knicks into a top-5 offense.

Their contrasting styles — Embiid’s brute strength vs. Brunson’s crafty mid-range game — make every matchup a chess match.

And with Embiid questionable tonight, the Knicks could have a golden opportunity to steal a win — and momentum — in front of their home crowd.

Immediate Effects: What This Game Means Right Now

Beyond the win-loss column, tonight’s game has real-world consequences across multiple fronts.

1. For Fans: A Digital Divide

The move to Amazon Prime highlights a growing generation gap in sports viewership: - Younger fans (18–34): Comfortable with streaming, likely to have Prime. - Older fans (55+): More likely to rely on cable, less familiar with apps or smart TVs.

Local sports bars are adapting. In Philadelphia, places like P.J. Whelihan’s and The Field House are promoting “Prime Game Nights” with free Wi-Fi and staff to help patrons log in.

“We had to set up extra tablets just to help people stream,” said a manager at a Center City sports bar. “But the turnout has been great.”

2. For the NBA: Testing the Streaming Waters

The league is betting big on digital distribution. With cable subscriptions declining (down 25