New York Knicks: 5 reasons NYK should make the playoffs in 2017-18

4. The Eastern Conference Is Depleted

Three of the eight Eastern Conference teams that made the playoffs in 2017-18 lost their franchise player. That list consists of the Atlanta Hawks (Paul Millsap), the Chicago Bulls (Jimmy Butler), and the Indiana Pacers (Paul George).

All three of those players joined teams in the Western Conference, meaning three postseason-caliber teams are now expected to drop off with no guaranteed replacement.

There’s no guaranteeing that the New York Knicks will be the team to take advantage of this opportunity. It’s imperative to provide context, however, and the context works in the favor of a team that will need some help and patience in the standings.

If the Knicks play their game and improve as the season progresses, then even a slow start may not be enough to prevent a push for the postseason.

It’s worth noting that some teams are expected to improve, including the Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, and Philadelphia 76ers. Every team that could replace Atlanta, Chicago, and Indiana has question marks, however, and isn’t exactly a lock to be above New York.

The odds are still stacked high against the Knicks, but the playoffs should be a realistic goal when one considers how depleted the Eastern Conference has become.