The New York Knicks should be THE a team no one else wants to face in the playoffs, especially if they are fully healthy. The return of OG Anunoby to the lineup has made New York look like a different team, and Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson are still out.
The Knicks appeased their enemies last year with a 4-2 win over the Cavaliers in the first round, and they are stronger than they were then. Tom Thibodeau helped build a monster defensive-minded team. After the Anunoby trade, New York went from having one of the worst defensive grades in December to the best in January.
It’s still too early to determine what the Eastern Conference playoff bracket will look like, but these three teams should keep their fingers crossed that they don’t have to face the Knicks.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
You could argue that out of all the Eastern teams in the playoffs, the Cavaliers should least want to face the Knicks in the first round. Two straight series losses to New York would be catastrophic, or at least it would be.
However, playing the Knicks last year could give the Cavaliers an advantage in the playoffs. That doesn’t mean Cleveland should automatically be favored to win if both teams play, but it could be an advantage. If it turns out to be the opposite, Cavs fans certainly wouldn’t be able to escape the Donovan Mitchell to Knicks trade rumors.
The star guard didn’t do it sign an extension before the season, but he will have another chance to do so over the summer. If he doesn’t, Cleveland’s front office will have to seriously consider trading him, either this offseason or before the 2025 deadline. He has a $37 million player option for 2025-2026 that he could turn down to become a free agent.
Losing another playoff series to New York would be tough enough. It would be even tougher if Cleveland lost Mitchell because of this.
