The New York Knicks find themselves in an unusual position as they head into the first round of the playoffs as an underdog, despite clinching the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. It's a rarely seen scenario, with the last time a No. 7 seed being favored in a first-round series dating back to 2021.

The betting odds initially favored the Philadelphia 76ers at -120, but have since equalized and both teams are now at -110, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown. However, the Knicks have every reason to feel disrespected considering their impressive season performance.

Reflecting on the past, the only other time a No. 7 seed was favored in a first-round matchup was in 2021, when the Los Angeles Lakers were heavily favored over the No. 2 seeded Phoenix Suns. Despite this, the Suns defied the odds and emerged victorious, securing their spot in the NBA Finals with a convincing 4-2 series win.

Drawing comparisons, the 76ers, like the Lakers in 2021, are not your ordinary No. 7 seed. Led by Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, the 76ers enjoyed an outstanding regular season record with him in the lineup. Embiid's return from a left knee injury brought a significant boost to the team, evident in his stellar performances where he averaged 34.5 points and 12 rebounds in the last two regular-season games.

With a win percentage of 79.4% in games played alongside Embiid, the 76ers have stood out as one of the strongest teams in the league. The Knicks, however, have proven their mettle this season, finishing with an impressive 50-32 record. Notably, in the only encounter between the two teams when Embiid was on the court, the Knicks dominated the 76ers, securing a resounding 36-point victory in Philadelphia on January 5th.

As the stage is set for a captivating series, the Knicks hope to replicate the success of the last No. 2 seed who faced underdog odds. The match promises to be a highly anticipated first-round matchup, potentially shaping up to be one of the most thrilling battles in the playoffs.

The Knicks, despite the odds stacked against them, believe in their abilities and see this underdog status as a source of motivation. They have proven themselves as formidable opponents throughout the season and are eager to prove the doubters wrong against a 76ers team spearheaded by a sensational Embiid.

With the odds fluctuating and anticipation growing, NBA fans are in for a treat as the Knicks take on the 76ers in what promises to be a thrilling clash between two talented teams thirsting for playoff success.