The New York Knicks have secured a playoff spot despite a recent loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, thanks to the Miami Heat's win over the Atlanta Hawks. With ten games left, the Knicks cannot fall below sixth place in the Eastern Conference, avoiding the Play-In Tournament. However, the playoff landscape remains precarious as injuries plague the team, including key absences from Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, and Cameron Payne.

As the Knicks prepare for a critical matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, their performance will dictate whether they secure a favorable first-round playoff matchup. A win could help them fend off the Indiana Pacers, who are hot on their heels, and ensure the Bucks remain in the sixth seed. Meanwhile, the Bucks struggle without Damian Lillard, making them a potentially easier opponent for New York. However, facing the fifth-seed Detroit Pistons would prove challenging if the Knicks slip to fourth place. The Knicks' path to the playoffs is fraught with uncertainty, and their health will be crucial to navigating the tough Eastern Conference.