New York Knicks: 3 reasons why NY could win a first-round playoff series

NBA New York Knicks huddle (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA New York Knicks huddle (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks RJ Barrett (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Three reasons why the New York Knicks can win a first-round playoff series. 

Over the last couple of weeks, thanks in part due to unfortunate injuries, the New York Knicks have successfully unseated the Charlotte Hornets as the best feel-good story in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks are currently 33-27, on an eight-game winning streak, and are sitting in the fourth seed of the East standings. Even though it’s easy to see that this team has absolutely taken steps forward as a franchise this season, not many are willing to buy into the premise that they could be a factor in the playoffs.

In fact, I’m willing to bet that not many non-Knicks fans would pick this team to win a potential 4-5 playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, or Miami Heat (however that possible ends up).

That said, with just 12 games remaining in the regular season, there’s a good chance that the Knicks will be in the playoffs and will finish as the 4 or 5-seed in the East. Assuming they can avoid one of the 6-8 seeds (and that’s no guarantee yet), we explore three reasons why they could potentially win a first-round playoff series in the East.