New York Knicks: Eight predictions for the 2018-19 season

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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 29: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 Enes Kanter #00 and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks look on prior to the game against the Miami Heat on November 29, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Knicks will win 32 games

While there are expectations for players, it comes down to the win total for the New York Knicks that defines where the team stands in the NBA. They won 29 games in 2017-18, but will this number increase?

Without Kristaps Porzingis, it’s fair to expect the Knicks to struggle initially. There’s no clear-cut player to lead the way otherwise, but surprises may arise that start the team better than expected.

However, if Porzingis does not return until February or at all, this team will struggle to stay in playoff contention. It may take just 38-40 wins to make the playoffs in the East, but the Knicks might not have enough to accomplish this.

Though 32 wins is an improvement, it’s not an overwhelming trend in the right direction. But if they receive flashes of greatness from young players, a positive update on Porzingis and have no in-season controversies, the future will seem intriguing.

Worst case scenario sees no Porzingis and a slower-than-expected growth process from Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina and other youth. That could put the Knicks below 30 wins, but still in fine shape for 2019-20 if everything lines up their way in the offseason and players take a step forward.

Next. Five takeaways from media day. dark

Expectations for the Knicks vary in 2018-19. What will transpire for them, whether they finish with a winning or losing record?

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