Playoff positioning at stake as Knicks begin difficult schedule
The New York Knicks are on track to surpass last season’s 50-32 record, but claiming the second seed for a consecutive year is an ambitious goal. Currently third in the East at 36-18, their record is the best it has been at this stage since 1972-73. While they hold a comfortable 5.5-game lead over the fourth-place Indiana, they trail Boston by 2.5 games. And so far, the Celtics have had their number, easily winning the first two regular season match-ups.
If the playoffs started today, New York would face the sixth-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round and, surviving that, a potential second-round showdown against Boston. The Knicks were constructed by Leon Rose & Co. to be a team that advances past the second round. It’s a hurdle they have failed to clear in long time.
To finish off the month, the Knicks face some of their stiffest competition yet. Their 0-5 record against top-tier teams–Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder–and a -91 point differential in those games is enough to raise suspicions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Now is their chance to prove their impressive win total is no fluke, with two of the aforementioned teams among the next five on the slate.
The upcoming stretch starts with a February 20 clash with the Chicago Bulls, a winnable game but a potential trap if they overlook their opponent. The next night, Feb. 21, they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers, arguably their toughest test yet. On Feb. 23, they head to Boston, looking to regain some dignity after two lopsided losses to the Celtics. On Feb. 26, they host the Philadelphia 76ers, an inconsistent but occasionally dangerous squad. Finally, they wrap up the month in Memphis, taking on a red-hot Grizzlies team.
These matchups will could affect their playoff positioning and will surely test their resilience.
On the bright side, New York will have two factors in their favor in March. First, the schedule appears to lighten up, with opponents averaging a 46.7% winning percentage. The only game against a 60%+ win team will be the Lakers, while opponents like the Mavericks and Kings are still adjusting after recent trades. Still, there are two games against a surprisingly surging Portland Trail Blazers, plus two apiece against the Clippers and Warriors, none of whom are pushovers exactly. Oh, and a game against the Spurs. And the Bucks.
What seems like a winnable slate could turn sideways in a hurry. But consider favorable factor number two: reinforcements are finally on the way.
Injuries have hampered the Knicks’ defense this season, but their rim-protecting center Mitchell Robinson is at last preparing for his season debut. He has begun participating in 5-of-5 practices and is eyeing a return around March 1. He will bring a much-needed boost to the team’s defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking. Mitch will be on a minutes restriction to start, as he gets reacclimated to NBA action, but his presence will add a valuable dimension to the Knicks line-up. Potentially, Robinson’s return could allow Karl-Anthony Towns to shift to power forward, which could help alleviate Towns’ workload and let the big fella roam the floor more freely.
Also returning will be OG Anunoby after recovering from a toe injury. His impact on both ends of the floor has been undeniable, as the Knicks have posted an impressive .753 win percentage (58-19) when he plays. OG will be key to their success through the remainder of the season and into the post.
Coach Tom Thibodeau has relied on an eight-ish-man rotation, even in Anunoby’s absence, but with both Robinson and Anunoby returning, he can confidently expand it to a reliable nine. Managing Robinson’s minutes early on might create some inconsistency in the lineup, but once he is fully reintegrated, the rotation should stabilize. Who will get squeezed out after Mitch’s return? Landry Shamet is the most likely candidate to lose his minutes, barring any other injuries.
The Knicks are enjoying one of their best seasons in decades, but a tough schedule, defensive inconsistency, and struggles against elite teams have been ongoing concerns. The return of Robinson and Anunoby should address those defensive holes and combined with offensive one-two punch of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York has real shot at a deep playoff run. And maybe grabbing that second seed, after all.
Go Knicks!