Knicks playoff standings: Updated scenarios, schedule for New York in 2026 NBA bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Knicks entered the playoffs last year fresh off a mildly disappointing regular season, but they came together and found their mojo to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter-century. New York fans might have to hope history repeats itself this year.
It’s been a fine season for the Knicks, who reached the 50-win mark, but a team that entered the season with realistic hopes of winning the East doesn’t look like the juggernaut many expected. Not only did New York cede the top spot in the East to the Pistons, but the Celtics also have a better record despite playing most of the season without Jayson Tatum.
If the Knicks want to put together another deep run, their path might go through the Celtics once again.
Here’s a look at the Knicks’ updated playoff scenarios and their place in the East standings.
MORE:Updated NBA standings, clinching scenarios
Knicks playoff scenarios
Entering Tuesday, the Knicks have three seeding scenarios in the East. New York could still finish with the No. 2, No. 3 or No. 4 seed, though the No. 2 seed will be difficult to snag with the Celtics 2.5 games ahead in the standings.
New York entered Tuesday as the East’s No. 3 seed, leading the Cavaliers by one game. Because the Knicks can’t finish lower than fourth in the East, they are guaranteed to start the playoffs at home. Finishing third, however, could put the Knicks in position to start a second-round matchup on the road in Boston.
Knicks playoff standings
Here’s a look at where the Knicks stand in the East.
Standings updated through games on April 6.
| Seed | Team | Wins | Losses | Games Back |
| 1 | Pistons | 57 | 22 | — |
| 2 | Celtics | 53 | 25 | 3.5 |
| 3 | Knicks | 51 | 28 | 6 |
| 4 | Cavaliers | 50 | 29 | 7 |
| 5 | Hawks | 45 | 34 | 12 |
| 6 | Raptors | 43 | 35 | 13.5 |
| 7 | 76ers | 43 | 36 | 14 |
| 8 | Hornets | 43 | 36 | 14 |
| 9 | Magic | 43 | 36 | 14 |
| 10 | Heat | 41 | 37 | 15.5 |
The 10 teams in the East who will play past the end of the regular season are already locked in, with the bottom five teams in the conference eliminated, but seeding remains up for grabs.
Knicks remaining schedule
Here is how the Knicks will close out the regular season:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Thurs, April 9 | vs. Celtics | 7:30 p.m. |
| Fri, April 10 | vs. Raptors | 7:30 p.m. |
| Sun, April 12 | vs. Hornets | 6 p.m. |
Knicks potential playoff opponents
It might take some time for the Knicks to know who their opponent will be to start the playoffs.
The Knicks can only be seeded between 2-4 in the East, but as of Monday, seven different teams can still finish No. 5, No. 6 or No. 7 to set up a potential matchup with the East: the Cavaliers, Hawks, 76ers, Raptors, Hornets, Magic and Heat.
At the moment, the Raptors sit No. 6 in the East and would line up with the Knicks for a first-round matchup.
