The Knicks entered the playoffs last year fresh off a mildly disappointing regular season, but they came together and found their mojo to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter-century. New York fans might have to hope history repeats itself this year.
It’s been a fine season for the Knicks, who reached the 50-win mark, but a team that entered the season with realistic hopes of winning the East doesn’t look like the juggernaut many expected. Not only did New York cede the top spot in the East to the Pistons, but the Celtics also have a better record despite playing most of the season without Jayson Tatum.
If the Knicks want to put together another deep run, their path might go through the Celtics once again.
Here’s a look at the Knicks’ updated playoff scenarios and their place in the East standings.
Knicks playoff scenarios
With Friday’s win over the Toronto Raptors, the Knicks have clinched the No. 3 seed in the East. The Celtics were able to beat the Pelicans handily on Friday night, which clinched the two seed for Boston.
Knicks playoff standings
Here’s a look at where the Knicks stand in the East.
Standings updated through games on April 9.
| Seed | Team | Wins | Losses | Games Back |
| 1 | Pistons | 59 | 22 | — |
| 2 | Celtics | 55 | 26 | 4 |
| 3 | Knicks | 53 | 28 | 6 |
| 4 | Cavaliers | 51 | 30 | 8 |
| 5 | Hawks | 46 | 35 | 13 |
| 6 | Raptors | 45 | 36 | 14 |
| 7 | Magic | 45 | 36 | 14 |
| 8 | 76ers | 44 | 37 | 15 |
| 9 | Hornets | 43 | 38 | 16 |
| 10 | Heat | 42 | 39 | 17 |
The 10 teams in the East who will play past the end of the regular season are already locked in, with the bottom five teams in the conference eliminated, but seeding remains up for grabs.
Knicks remaining schedule
Here is how the Knicks will close out the regular season:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Sun, April 12 | vs. Hornets | 6 p.m. |
Knicks potential playoff opponents
It will still take some time for the Knicks to know who their opponent will be to start the playoffs.
The Knicks have clinched the No. 3 seed in the East, but four different teams can still finish No. 6 to set up a potential matchup with the East: Hawks, Raptors, Magic, and 76ers.
At the moment, the Raptors sit No. 6 in the East and would line up with the Knicks for a first-round matchup. They will clinch the No. 6 seed if Atlanta beats Miami and the Raptors beat Brooklyn. Another scenario for this playoff matchup would be if the Hawks lose to Miami, Toronto beats Brooklyn, and Orlando beats Boston.
If the Hawks were to lose to Miami, Toronto beats Brooklyn, and Orlando loses to Boston, they would drop to the No. 6 seed and play the Knicks in the first round.
The Magic will jump up to the No. 6 seed if Atlanta loses to Miami, the Raptors lose to the Nets, and Orlando beats Boston. Another scenario for Orlando to finish as No. 6 would happen if the Hawks beat the Heat, the Raptors lose to the Nets, and Orlando beats Boston.
If Toronto loses to Brooklyn, Orlando loses to Boston, and the Sixers beat Milwaukee, the Sixers will finish as the No. 6 seed.
