Predicting where the New York Knicks will finish in the East next season

The top of the Eastern Conference is loaded, and while the Knicks are in the conversation, they are not among the top five teams. They finished fifth last year with 47 wins but would be hard-pressed to match that this upcoming season.

The best teams in the conference are back as strong as ever. Here’s my ranking of the top teams in the East and where the Knicks stand.

Predicting where the New York Knicks will rank in the East in 2023-24

1. Milwaukee

Milwaukee won 58 games last year and brought back the major players on their team. Re-signing Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez was huge. There was no guarantee those guys would be back.

After a disappointing end to last year in getting knocked out in the first round by the Heat, you have to believe the Bucks will come back motivated. They have a new coach, Adrian Griffin, who will add a fresh voice to the team.

The Bucks need to make the most of this season because Giannis Antetokounmpo is up for an extension, and if they have a down year, he could ask for a trade.

2. Boston

Boston won 57 games last year and led the NBA in point differential. They made a pretty major change in the roster by trading Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis. It is a high-risk but high-reward move. Porzingis will offer more three-point shooting and interior defense.

One key for the Celtics will be Malcolm Brogdon staying healthy. Brogdon was initially in the trade for Porzingis but was taken out because of medical concerns. With Smart gone, Boston needs Brogdon in the lineup. Boston has been together for a long time and has been successful with this group. They are due to break through one of these years.