With just 10 games left before the playoffs, the New York Knicks are gearing up for a serious run at the NBA Finals. Riding a six-game winning streak, the Knicks boast top-five offensive and defensive ratings, both of which are trending upward. Critics who doubted their path to the Finals were quieted after the Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham suffered an unfortunate collapsed lung.
While the Knicks are likely focusing on their own game, the buzz around them is about favorable playoff matchups. Right now, no Eastern Conference team seems too daunting.
The Knicks have fared well against most top teams, with the exception of the Pistons. If they had to choose, the Boston Celtics might be their least desirable matchup.
Although New York is 2-1 against Boston this season, those games were without Jayson Tatum. Tatum, currently struggling with his shooting, is a player with significant upside, making the Celtics a formidable opponent.
The Knicks' path to the Finals looks smoother now. Detroit, without Cunningham, seems more beatable.
However, the Pistons remain a gritty, physical team with plenty of athletic defenders. Even if Cunningham returns, his conditioning might be a factor, making Detroit a more appealing matchup in the second round.
It's not guaranteed that New York will face Detroit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but it's possible. The Pistons are five games ahead of the Celtics with 11 games to go.
Before thinking about the second round, the Knicks need to focus on their first-round opponent. Ideally, they'd face the Atlanta Hawks. While Atlanta is a solid team, other potential matchups present various challenges.
The Philadelphia 76ers are unpredictable, with a high ceiling and a low floor. The possibility of Paul George regaining form or Joel Embiid returning from injury makes them a risky opponent.
The Orlando Magic bring a gritty style similar to Detroit, but with less cohesion. The Miami Heat, under Erik Spoelstra, are always a tough playoff team.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets, though young and talented, play with a freewheeling style that can be tricky.
In a perfect scenario, the Knicks would stay in the third seed, Atlanta in the sixth, and Detroit in the second. While this path is unlikely, the fact remains that only a full-strength Pistons team has consistently challenged the Knicks. With Detroit unlikely to be at full strength, New York's path through the East is clearer.
The key for the Knicks is not to overlook any opponent. If they stay focused, they have a strong chance against anyone in the East. But securing those dream matchups could make their journey a bit smoother.