With just ten regular season games remaining, the Knicks are preparing for the most significant stretch of the season—the playoffs, where legends are made.
However, as of late, New York’s momentum has come to a screeching halt. Since All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson suffered a devastating ankle sprain against the Lakers on March 6, the team has struggled, posting a disappointing 4-5 record.
With the seventh-hardest remaining schedule and only a five-game gap separating third and sixth place in the East, New York has little room for error as they fight for playoff positioning.
In such a tight race, every game down the stretch will have major implications for the Knicks’ seeding. As they battle for positioning, their potential first-round opponents are coming into focus. Here’s how the matchups could shake out and what the Knicks might face when the postseason begins:
New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks
If the season ended today, the No. 3 seed Knicks and No. 6 seed Bucks would face off in the first round. Milwaukee has been dealt a major setback with All-Star point guard Damian Lillard sidelined due to a sudden blood clot in his right calf.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP, can single-handedly carry Milwaukee through a series. There isn’t a matchup in the league that can neutralize Giannis fully, but the return of Mitchell Robinson gives the Knicks a defensive boost.
Since his return in late February, New York has posted the sixth-highest defensive rating in the NBA. The combination of Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt should provide some resistance against Giannis. While stopping him entirely is nearly impossible, slowing him down enough to grind out wins is the key for New York.
Prediction: Knicks in 6 games
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons
Taking on the Pistons would be far from an easy matchup for the Knicks. Detroit’s young, athletic squad is playing with house money and looking to make some noise.
Many NBA pundits believe the overachieving Pistons have a real shot at upsetting the Knicks, especially with Jalen Brunson sidelined. The key to a Knicks victory will be slowing down Cade Cunningham. Fresh off his first All-Star selection, Cunningham has led Detroit to more wins this season than the previous two years combined.
Defending Cunningham requires long, versatile wing defenders. Some of his worst performances this season—against teams like the Thunder, Celtics, and Nuggets— featured matchups with elite perimeter defenders. Fortunately for the Knicks, they boast one of the best defensive wing rotations in the league. With Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges leading the charge, New York has the personnel to make life difficult for Cunningham and disrupt Detroit’s offense.
Prediction: Knicks in 6 games
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers
This might be the toughest matchup for the Knicks. Tyrese Haliburton is playing the best basketball of his career, and Indiana’s fast-paced offense presents a unique challenge. The Pacers, who play at the eighth-fastest pace in the league, can run a banged-up Knicks team out of the gym.
After eliminating New York in game seven to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals last postseason, fresh tension lingers between the two rivals.
If the Knicks get a healthy Jalen Brunson back, they should have the upper hand. Without him, this series is a true toss-up. Given how these teams match up, another seven-game battle feels inevitable.
Prediction: Game 7
Close to the Season
The Knicks are looking to secure their second consecutive top-three finish in the East—something Knicks fans could have only dreamed of in recent years. But if New York wants any chance of making a deep playoff push, they need a healthy Brunson back. At the same time, the supporting cast must step up. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Knicks’ margin for error is slim. Every piece needs to fall into place.
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