The Eastern Conference second-round matchup starts Monday night at Madison Square Garden, with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey identified as Philadelphia's main threats.
Coaches say the Sixers' contrasting stars create difficult matchups and a dangerous pick-and-roll combination that New York must contain.
They also see a possible Knicks edge in their own pick-and-roll game, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson after New York eliminated Atlanta.
Can Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson outduel the record-setting duo of Embiid and Maxey?
Will the Sixers' historic comeback momentum outweigh their fatigue against the well-rested Knicks?