Last spring, the Knicks swept Philadelphia on the road to the NBA championship. On Friday night, the Sixers get their first early-season chance to show how much their story has changed. Philadelphia welcomes New York at 7:30 p.m. EDT with new stars, a fast 4-1 start through Wednesday, and a building eager for a statement game.

The Knicks arrive as the defending champions, but their record stood at 2-3 through Wednesday. Their last two games offered a spark: New York scored 111 points in a win over Detroit, then 133 in a win over Chicago. Jalen Brunson is the steady hand in the storm. He is scoring 25.8 points per game, using quick stops, clever footwork, and pull-up jumpers to create room. Philadelphia must keep bodies in front of him, because Brunson can turn a small gap into a big scoring run.

New York’s other giant challenge comes near the rim. Karl-Anthony Towns is grabbing 13.8 rebounds per game, the most important number in this matchup. A rebound ends the other team’s turn with the ball, and the Knicks are collecting 48.2 per game. Towns can score inside or pull big defenders away from the basket with his outside shot. Josh Hart adds even more hustle, with 7.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. He chases loose balls like they are treasure.

But Philadelphia has built a powerful answer. Joel Embiid brings strength around the basket, averaging 21.5 points and 10 rebounds in his first four games. The Sixers need him to make Towns work for every board while protecting the paint. Tyrese Maxey supplies the burst. His 28.4 points per game lead Philadelphia, and his speed can send the Sixers racing before New York’s defense gets set.

Then there is LeBron James, who has added 6.8 assists per game in four contests. An assist is a pass that leads directly to a basket, and James can spot a cutter or shooter before defenders see the play coming. Philadelphia also added Jaylen Brown, a strong wing who can attack the basket and guard top scorers. With Maxey’s quickness, Embiid’s size, James’s passing, and Brown’s two-way force, the Sixers have far more answers than the group New York faced last spring.

Still, Philadelphia has a weakness the Knicks will try to poke at. The Sixers are making only 42.8 percent of their shots and averaging 13.4 turnovers, which means lost possessions. New York moves the ball well, with 26.8 assists per game, and shoots better from three-point range. If Hart creates extra chances and Brunson controls the late moments, the champions can silence the home crowd.

This is an early chapter, not the ending, but it can set the tone for two Eastern Conference rivals with huge goals. The Knicks have championship poise, yet Philadelphia has started sharper and carries the extra energy of a home rematch. Prediction: The 76ers will win behind Maxey’s pace and their star power around Embiid.

Knicks Return to Philadelphia for a New Chapter