The New York Knicks are gearing up for a showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with their eyes set firmly on securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. As the playoff race heats up, the Knicks find themselves trailing the Boston Celtics by a game and a half, following a tough loss to the Charlotte Hornets that snapped their impressive seven-game winning streak.
In a boost for the Knicks, the team is nearing full health just in time for the crucial playoff push. NBA insider Stefan Bondy reports that backup guard Landry Shamet is on the mend and has joined the team on their current four-game road trip. Shamet has been a revelation this season, averaging 9.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while shooting a sharp 38.8% from beyond the arc.
Adding to the good news, Miles McBride is back in action, making his return against the Thunder after being sidelined with a high ankle sprain since late January. McBride has been lighting it up this season, posting career-high numbers with 12.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, and hitting 42% of his shots from three-point range. His return adds more depth to an already stacked Knicks backcourt.
With McBride back, the distribution of minutes among guards like Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado will be something to watch. The Knicks' rotation is becoming more robust just when it matters most.
After taking on the Thunder, the Knicks will face the Rockets and Grizzlies before heading back home for four of their final five games. The road ahead is challenging, but with a healthier roster, the Knicks are poised to make a strong push in the Eastern Conference standings.