To make a significant playoff push, the Knicks must overcome three hurdles.
Predicting playoff outcomes based on regular-season matchups is often unreliable. Despite the Knicks’ success against the Heat in the regular season last year, they struggled against them when it truly mattered in the playoffs. This is even more pertinent when considering the Knicks’ current situation, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Therefore, while their recent loss to the Celtics was disappointing, it doesn’t provide insight into how they would fare with their full roster.
The Knicks may have to wait until May to gauge their true capabilities, and there’s uncertainty about whether they’ll even make it that far. Like Julius Randle’s recovery timeline, the situation is fluid. However, as the team progresses, understanding the competition becomes increasingly crucial, especially considering formidable opponents like the Celtics. Boston boasts a talented core, led by 25-year-old Jayson Tatum, and is likely to remain a significant obstacle for the Knicks in their development under Leon Rose.
The Knicks owe part of their competitive landscape to the Nets, as the draft picks they traded contributed to the Celtics’ roster, including Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Despite forward Josh Hart’s confidence in the team’s abilities, questions linger about whether the Knicks can truly contend in the Eastern Conference or advance to the conference finals. Achieving such feats remains a long shot, with a focus first on reaching 50 wins. Nevertheless, let’s explore the three primary challenges standing in their path.
