The Sixers are favored by 1.5 points in Friday's preseason opener against the Knicks, and the New York Post's Malik Smith still leans Philadelphia, because their reserves have real minutes behind them and New York's don't. Mike Brown has said the starters get some run but the night is mostly about developing the bench, which puts Mohamed Diawara, Tyler Kolek, Pacôme Dadiet and two-way guys Kevin McCullar Jr. and Tyler Nickel on the floor for a long stretch. Smith notes that the Knicks brought back everyone but Mitchell Robinson from the title team, so the rotation is settled and the only real drama is the 15th roster spot, where James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks and Bruce Brown are auditioning. His case is that this group looks thin next to Justin Edwards and Dominick Barlow, who have played meaningful playoff and regular-season minutes for Philly. It is a preseason handicap column that admits betting on preseason is not recommended, which is a fine way to sell a pick.