How do The Knicks stack up against other playoff teams?
By Avishai Sol
The playoffs are still a little ways away for The Knicks, but as the end of the season draws ever nearer, it’s time to start thinking about potential matchups.
Usually, the list of possible first-round opponents consists of about 4-5 teams, but between the play-in game, the shortened season, key players missing time, and the neck and neck nature of the Eastern Conference this year there’s a conceivable way to play just about anybody.
The Knicks currently stand as the 8th seed in the East, but they could be up to 4 by the end of the week. There are three teams locked into the top of the conference in the Nets, Sixers, and Bucks, and the rest may as well be a snow globe.
Knicks: How will the playoffs shape up?
Because of this unpredictability, it’s important to be caught up on teams 1-10. The Knicks could see any of them in the playoffs, and it’s not just a matter of worse record equals better matchup. This era of Knicks basketball is about to sniff the postseason for the first time. It’s a very particular group, with a lot of unique players who have specific skillsets. That’s why matchups will matter more than ever. There isn’t any prior knowledge for this team to hang its hat on. They’re jumping in this pool head first, and temperature is going to matter.