NEW YORK — Asa rash of shameless tankingis rotting within the NBA, theNew York Knickscould’ve done the same.
They could’ve rolled over Thursday, April 9 to let theBoston Celticsclinch the No. 2 seed. They could’verested their starscompromised their competitive spirit to gear up instead for the playoffs, which begin April 18.
Let me explain.
In the days leading up to this game, a faction of social media basketball strategists pondered whether New York, the current three-seed in the East, would be better served to target the No. 4 slot. The thinking was that it would avoid an eventual matchup against the surging Celtics, who have won 25 of their last 33 games, in the conference semifinals.
Instead, Knicks forward Josh Hart drained all five of his 3s in the second half — includinga pairinside the final 43 secondsthat put the game away— to help New York narrowly outlast Boston, 112-106, in a game that had 13 ties and 16 lead changes.
Despite the victory, the Knicks, however, could still feasibly throw their final two games to tank into the four-seed to avoid Boston.
Should they?
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
TEAM: BYU | POSITION: Wing | BORN: Massachusetts | HEIGHT: 6-9 | DRAFT AGE: 19 – The Wizards have the second-worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.
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2. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer
TEAM: Duke | POSITION: Forward | BORN: Florida | HEIGHT: 6-9 | DRAFT AGE: 18 – Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isnÕt a human highlight reel, but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss.
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3. Brooklyn Nets: Darryn Peterson
TEAM: Kansas POSITION: Guard BORN: Ohio HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 19 While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Nets have the worst offense in the NBA and could change the course of the franchise by selecting Peterson. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.
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4. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings
TEAM: Houston POSITION: Guard BORN: Texas HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 19 While most project North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall, he may not fit in UtahÕs crowded front court. Meanwhile, the Jazz currently have the worst defensive rating in the Western Conference and could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. He helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.
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5. Sacramento Kings: Caleb Wilson
TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Big BORN: Georgia HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 19 The Kings need the best player available, and that is North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, who unfortunately missed the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement, though. According to Bart Torvik, before the injury the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach thresholds of 2.5 percent for both block and steal percentage while also notching a defensive rebound percentage above 20.0 percent.
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6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Darius Acuff Jr.
TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Guard BORN: Michigan HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19 The Hawks could use a guard like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. after trading away Trae Young, using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but playing alongside Dyson Daniels would help cover that problem.
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7. Dallas Mavericks: Keaton Wagler
TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Wing BORN: Kansas HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19 The Mavericks have the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to help the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman. while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.
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8. Memphis Grizzlies: Yaxel Lendeborg
TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Forward BORN: New Jersey HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 23 The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who has shown on his way to the menÕs collegiate national championship game that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
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9. Chicago Bulls: Brayden Burries
TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Guard BORN: California HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 20 Arizona freshman Brayden Burries was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble. Burries would make a great pick for whatever new executives take over the front office for the Bulls.
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10. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.
TEAM: Louisville POSITION: Guard BORN: Florida HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 20 The Milwaukee Bucks need to simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.
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11. Golden State Warriors: Labaron Philon
TEAM: Alabama POSITION: Guard BORN: Alabama HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 20 The Warriors could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
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12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach
TEAM: Washington POSITION: Big BORN: Germany HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 20 After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to add even more lottery-caliber talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. While his team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten post is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the center is one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.
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13. Portland Trail Blazers: Nate Ament
TEAM: Tennessee POSITION: Wing BORN: Virginia HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 19 After a relatively slow and inefficient start to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament started to realize some of his lofty expectations. The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is almost certainly picking in the lottery.
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14. Miami Heat: Koa Peat
TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Forward BORN: Arizona HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19 The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with MiamiÕs fastest-paced offense in the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.
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15. Charlotte Hornets: Braylon Mullins
TEAM: Connecticut POSITION: Wing BORN: Indiana HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19 Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA menÕs basketball tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping the Huskies earn a spot in the national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level.
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16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson
TEAM: Iowa State POSITION: Forward BORN: Nevada HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 22 A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Iowa State forward was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward got injured during the first round of the tournament, but Iowa State still earned a spot in the Sweet 16.
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17. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz
TEAM: Iowa POSITION: Guard BORN: Missouri HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 22 The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.
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18. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Jayden Quaintance
TEAM: Kentucky POSITION: Big BORN: Ohio HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 18 Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets. But health may cause some concern for evaluators.
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19. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López TEAM: International (Australia) POSITION: Forward BORN: Mexico HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19 The Thunder have drafted multiple players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, he is physically gifted and widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.
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20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Aday Mara
TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big BORN: Spain HEIGHT: 7-3 DRAFT AGE: 21 After leading his team to the NCAA championship game, Michigan center Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.9 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim. Especially in short spurts, Mara would make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama.
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21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson
TEAM: Texas Tech POSITION: Guard BORN: Georgia HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 20 While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who had the most unassisted 3-pointers (61) among high-major players, per CBB Analytics. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman.
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22. New York Knicks: Chris Cenac Jr. TEAM: Houston POSITION: Big BORN: Louisiana HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 19 It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. While he still remains a candidate to return to college and improve his draft stock for the 2027 NBA Draft, Cenac Jr. got hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds.
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23. Denver Nuggets: Thomas Haugh
TEAM: Florida POSITION: Wing BORN: Pennsylvania HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 22 After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. The All-SEC forward had one of the top motors in the NCAA this season before an early elimination from March Madness. While he did not score efficiently in a set offense this year, he does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team. He can serve as a glue guy for a contending team looking to win an NBA title like the Nuggets.
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24. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Patrick Ngongba II
TEAM: Duke POSITION: Big BORN: Virginia HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 20 Many teams could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. The big man, who helped Duke earn a spot in the Elite Eight, is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the more prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying legitimate year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.
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25. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Allen Graves
TEAM: Santa Clara POSITION: Forward BORN: Louisiana HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 20 One of the most under-the-radar prospects in all of college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was nearly a March Madness hero. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 years old who currently held a higher box plus-minus, via Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.
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26. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr.
TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big BORN: Illinois HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 20 Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to an appearance in the NCAA championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
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27. Boston Celtics: Cameron Carr
TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing BORN: Minnesota HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 21 One of the players who improved his draft stock the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and shooting and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA.
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28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Tyler Tanner
TEAM: Vanderbilt POSITION: Guard BORN: Tennessee HEIGHT: 6-0 DRAFT AGE: 20 It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise should he decide to turn pro after this season, it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. Tanner could also return to school but should earn serious first-round buzz if he turns pro.
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29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Dailyn Swain
TEAM: Texas POSITION: Wing BORN: Ohio HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 21 After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain became one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders.
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30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Amari Allen
TEAM: Alabama POSITION: Wing BORN: Wisconsin HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 20 Alabama's Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists with 1.7 "stocks" (combined steals and blocks), while shooting 39.5 percent on 3-pointers on 4.8 shots per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play. The SEC All-Freshman wing is a good connective piece who plays hard, cares about winning and knows how to make the right play. Despite a weak showing against Michigan in the Sweet 16, he is still someone who could earn fringe first-round consideration.
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See NBA mock draft first‑round projections
1. Washington Wizards: AJ DybantsaTEAM: BYU | POSITION: Wing | BORN: Massachusetts | HEIGHT: 6-9 | DRAFT AGE: 19 – The Wizards have the second-worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.
I’ll concede that it does make some practical sense for teams at the bottom of the standings to tank. Those attempts to manipulate draft positioning, particularly in a draft class as loaded as this one, can theoretically be the difference between an elite, franchise-altering player and a good-to-very-good one.
Taking this approach, however, as you’re trying to win it all, would be a tell for loser behavior. Indirectly, the message would be that a team is scared of another, or at least giving it far too much respect.
“We’re heading in the direction of where we need to be at,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said after the game. “I like the climb that we’ve made the last week or so, the last three or four games. We’ve got a couple more games to get there.
“For us, we’ll take it one game at a time, but we’ve got these two left, and we’d like to win both of them. What does that mean? I don’t know; we’ll see. But when we lace them up, we’re playing to win.”
Let’s very quickly run through the scenarios.
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The Celtics (54-26) will almost certainly clinch the No. 2 seed. All they need to do is win one of their two remaining games, both of which are at home: against the Pelicans (Friday, April 10) and Magic (Sunday, April 12).
Because the Knicks (52-28) hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the No. 4Cleveland Cavaliers(51-29), New York would clinch the three-seed with a victory in either of its remaining games, which are also both at home: against the Raptors (Friday) and Hornets (Sunday).
And, assuming both Boston and New York handle their first-round playoff series, that would set up, once again, a rematch in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
If the Knicks fell to the fourth-seed, their semifinal opponent would likely be the No. 1 Pistons, who only just got All-Star Cade Cunningham back Wednesday, April 8 from a collapsed lung.
Making the prospect of a Knicks-Celtics rematch more enticing is that Boston’s players seemingly want it.
“It felt like death,”Jaylen Brown said of last year’s playoff loss during a recent Twitch stream. “The Knicks — good team — but to blow two 20-point leads, like, how does that happen? Just, the energy was off, and we lost, but shout out to the Knicks. They won. They moved on. We lost. We did it to ourselves. Can’t be mad at it.
“But this (year is a different story). We might match up with the Knicks again, and we’ve got to be ready to slide. … Sometimes, you’ve got to spin the block. You’ve got to run it back.”
By beating the Celtics Thursday night, New York can now say that it went 3-1 against Boston in the regular season. The Knicks sharpened their late-game actions in the clutch. They blitzed Celtics star Jayson Tatum — who was playing his first game here in Madison Square Gardensince he tore his Achilles in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals— showing they have a recipe to defend him in the postseason.
Most of all, New York can use this momentum to galvanize its group into a rallying point as it tries to win its first NBA Finals since 1973.
Granted, none of New York’s victories over Boston this season were with both Tatum and Brown, who missed Thursday’s game with left Achilles tendinitis, on the floor.
Either way, all of this is setting up for what should be a fascinating rematch.
“That’s fool’s gold, trying to pick and choose your spots in the standings and who you play,” Knicks All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters after the game. “That’s fool’s gold (thinking) you have to lose to win.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Should New York Knicks tank way out of No. 3 seed in NBA playoffs?
NEW YORK — Asa rash of shameless tankingis rotting within the NBA, theNew York Knickscould’ve done the same. They could’ve rolled ...
