(Photo : (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)) NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 10: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in game five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Blue and Orange skies from New York are looking to invade the NBA Playoffs.
The New York Knicks (41-28) are in the midst of their best season since 2013-14, potentially locking up their third NBA playoff berth in four seasons.
There are plenty of things the Knicks need to do in an attempt to hoist their first NBA Championship since the 1970s. Although the Knicks won’t be entering as favorites, like the Milwaukee Bucks or the Boston Celtics, they still have a chance to make a deep run in the postseason next month.
New York Knicks: Injuries in the Eastern Conference
The New York Knicks’ health heading into the postseason will be a major factor into how far they could go. Several key rotational players for the Knicks have been injured throughout this season.
Most recently, OG Anunoby has been battling a nagging elbow injury since being traded to the Knicks from the Toronto Raptors. He had just returned to the court for the Knicks not too long ago, but soon after returned on the injury report due to a post-injury fracture in his elbow.
Three-time All-Star big man Julius Randle has been out with a shoulder injury since January, and center Mitchell Robinson has been out after suffering an ankle injury.
Though reports have revealed no timetables for Randle and Anunoby, Robinson is close to a return.
The New York Knicks will find little to no success in the NBA Playoffs without these three players.
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New York Knicks: The Ideal Rotation in the NBA Playoffs
A challenge for head coach Tom Thibodeau will be figuring out the Knicks’ ideal rotation heading into the NBA Playoffs.
The New York Knicks have had success this season playing several rotational players throughout the season, filling the gaps to their missing stars.
This depth could be seen as a weapon for the Knicks if used properly.
The Knicks have several crucial rotational players in Josh Hart, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Dante Divincenzio. Through this season, they have all shown they can be highly reliable come postseason time.
The trick is figuring out the key rotations and navigating injuries for the New York Knicks to have postseason success.
New York Knicks: All On Jalen Brunson
For the most part, Jalen Brunson has been the star at the helm in New York for the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson has given an All-Star season this year, but will be tested in his soon to be second playoff run with the Knicks.
Last season in the NBA Playoffs, Brunson proved that he can perform with the bright lights on him. He scored 27.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game during the NBA Playoffs last year.
Jalen Brunson will most likely need to step up his play once again for the New York Knicks come time for the NBA postseason.
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