4 Eastern Conference rivals Knicks should finish over in standings

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Josh Hart #3 and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks high five during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2023 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Evan Yu/Getty Images) /

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Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks. (Photo by Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports) /

2: Miami Heat

After making it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Heat haven’t been the contender that many thought they would be. Sitting at No. 7 in the East with a 32-27 record, Miami entered the break with two losses to Denver and Brooklyn.

New York’s win over Atlanta pushed the team above Miami in the rankings with a half-game lead. The Heat won’t have much room for error when they return to the court as their first game back will be against the Bucks and after playing the Hornets, Miami will have back-to-back games against Philadelphia.

It’d be wrong to count Jimmy Butler out, but the Heat just don’t have it this season. They went from being the best team in the East in 2021-22 to a team that could wind up competing in the play-in tournament. Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro have been pulling the majority of the weight for Miami, while players like Duncan Robinson have been a major disappointment.

The Heat didn’t make any moves leading up to the trade deadline, either. Miami signed Kevin Love in the buyout market, but he isn’t the same player that he once was. He could help the Heat’s scoring off the bench, but that’s about it.

Out of the four teams on this list, Miami is New York’s biggest threat. As of right now, though, the Knicks have the advantage.

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