The Knicks are entering this season as one of the favorites to come out of the East. Coming off a 50-32 record last season, there is no doubt that the Knicks could have beaten the Pacers had they not lost much of their rotation to injury. They followed up their promising season with a big offseason. The front office re-signed OG Anunoby, traded for Mikal Bridges, brought in Cam Payne, and re-signed Precious Achiuwa.
Hopes are high in the Garden, and a faltering franchise has risen back up amongst the true contenders in the NBA. They enter this season with the highest expectations since the Carmelo Anthony years almost a decade ago. So, with just under two months to go until the season starts, what are the biggest games on the Knicks schedule within their own conference?
5 Biggest Eastern Conference Games
5. Knicks @ Pacers (February 11)
This will be the Knicks’ final game against the Pacers in the regular season. It is an away game on the first night of a back-to-back (Feb 12, Atlanta @ Knicks). With the trade deadline being on February 6, this version of the Knicks will be the final one. There is a documented history of bad blood between these two teams, and it was reignited last season during the playoffs after Tyrese Haliburton wore the Reggie Miller T-shirt after their Game 7 win in the Garden. Furthermore, the Knicks will also have a chance to see their (hopefully) fully healthy lineup against a possible playoff opponent.
4. Knicks vs Bucks (January 12)
This game is right in the middle of the season. The Knicks will get the opportunity to test their defense against two of the premier scorers in this era. This game and their game against Philadelphia (January 15) will have implications on the Knicks’ trade deadline plans. If Precious Achiuwa is unable to hold his own during these games, the Knicks will start looking for a good backup center immediately.
3. Knicks @ Sixers (January 15)
The Knicks play the Sixers four times this year, so it was hard to pick which one would be the most important. But, this game comes three days after the Bucks, and it will be a clear sign of what the team needs to improve on. Furthermore, the road games against Philadelphia happen before the trade deadline. Beating them even once at Wells Fargo gives the Knicks a better chance of winning the season series and securing an advantage when jostling for seeding.
2. Knicks @ Celtics (October 22)
Opening night in TD Garden is a chance for the Knicks to showcase who they really are. Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were snubbed in the Olympics. Brown wasn’t selected, and Tatum didn’t get the minutes many felt he should have. Both will be ready to showcase their skills against the NBA’s best. On the other hand, the Knicks have a chance to cement themselves as an elite contender if they can go into Boston and beat the Celtics on the day they hang their 18th championship banner.
1. Knicks vs Celtics (Apr 8)
This is the 79th game on the Knicks schedule. These two teams could be top-three in the East when this game comes around, and a win here would help New York go into the playoffs on a high. It also would show Boston that the Knicks can beat them. If Boston faces them in a seven-game series, the final game will remain in the back of the Celtics’ minds. A win here also helps New York, because the Knicks now know that there’s no team in the East that they can’t beat, and that mindset will be really important throughout the playoffs.
