The New York Knicks sit at 47-27 after 74 games, enjoying one of the best seasons in franchise history. For the first time in over a decade, NY is in the enviable position of being securely entrenched in the playoff bracket for weeks before the postseason. They’ve been comfortably sitting in the East’s third position for some time, and are essentially locked in that spot now. Time will tell whether they’ll draw the Pistons or Bucks in the first round. Luckily, they now have the advantage of resting up before the all-important games start.
Health and Rest Should be Knicks’ Top Priority Before Playoffs
With NY having nothing to play for regarding seeding, these results of the final eight contests mean nothing. There are basketball dynamics that still matter, but whether the Knicks lose or win all eight remaining games, their playoff destiny likely remains unchanged. So, their number one goal should be to arrive at Madison Square Garden on April 19th/20th fully healthy and fresh.
NY Must Be Careful With Brunson
The most important injury question for NY is Jalen Brunson. Their captain has been cleared for basketball activities and appears ready to ramp up on his way back to game action before the regular season ends. He’d like to get NBA reps to shake off the rust and get in shape before playoff basketball. However, New York must make sure he’s fully healthy when he returns. The Knicks must balance the health of his ankle and the need to get him acclimated before the first round.
Brunson needs to play in four of the final eight games to become eligible for NBA awards with the 65-game minimum rule. If we assume that he won’t play in both ends of the team’s back-to-back on April 10th and 11th, NY’s captain needs to return by Sunday, April 6th against the Suns. Brunson needs to play in 15-plus minutes in two of the games and 20-plus in the other two to qualify. Of course, his pursuit of awards is trivial compared to the Knicks’ championship hopes, especially as there are no monetary incentives attached to it (Brunson has already signed an extension).
However, these honors matter for a player’s legacy. Brunson could be destined for the Hall of Fame one day, and accruing things such as All-Star appearances, All-NBA selections, and other awards will help his case. He also simply deserves to make the All-NBA second team because of his outstanding play and value to the Knicks. Brunson will certainly receive an All-NBA slot if he’s able to play in four more games. While all Knicks would love to see this, a deep playoff run with a healthy Brunson is the main goal.
The Knicks’ Top Priority Should Be Reaching the Playoffs Healthy
Miles McBride (groin) and Cameron Payne (ankle) are still nursing mild injuries and will miss Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia. The team seems unconcerned about their playoff availability, but would also like to ease them back into game action before the real basketball starts. There’s no need to rush any of them back for meaningless contests. Delon Wright and Tyler Kolek have done a fine job filling in.
In addition to their injured players, Tom Thibodeau needs to consider resting his healthy guys a few times down the stretch. Somehow, the Knicks have three back-to-backs over the season’s final 12 days. None of their starters should play both ends of any of those consecutive games. I’m aware it’s not Thibs’ style to rest guys, but NY’s starters have borne the largest responsibility in the league. Four of the five rank in the top-25 in minutes played, with Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart first and second.
Despite the crazy minute loads, New York is so close to reaching the playoffs as healthy as possible. If they can finish these eight games without incident, they’ll be one of the freshest, healthiest teams in the field.
Photo credit: © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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