The Knicks are set to play the Pistons within the first spherical of the playoffs and Stan Van Gundy has spoken truthfully about their probabilities.
He thinks NY might discover themselves on the tip of a troublesome battle and a seven-game collection in opposition to a bodily Pistons outfit.
“They’re actually, actually good on the defensive finish,” Van Gundy stated, by way of New York Submit. “They rebound the heck out of the ball. Look, that staff can match up with New York. I feel that might be a troublesome collection. I’m not an awesome predictor, however I feel the video games in that collection can be hard-fought. … I’d in all probability take the Knicks in seven.”
Van Gundy continued, “I don’t suppose there’s that a lot separating these two groups. Truly, so far as the Knicks at full power, I feel that Detroit would scare me extra if I have been a Knick fan than Milwaukee or Indiana. Although Indiana beat ’em final 12 months, the Knicks weren’t at full power. Now if [Damian] Lillard is there, complete totally different ballgame. I’d nonetheless take the Knicks, however now I feel it will be a aggressive collection.”
In contrast to Van Gundy, others suppose New York received’t progress any additional than they have already got.
“I don’t suppose they’re ok to advance to the second spherical,” O’Neal stated. “That’s simply me personally.”
James Edwards III of The Athletic tends to agree.
“It’s exhausting to beat an excellent staff twice, not to mention three and 4 instances just like the Celtics have New York,” Edwards wrote. “The Knicks are hoping the chances even out when basketball issues most, assuming they’ll get previous the Detroit Pistons or Milwaukee Bucks within the first spherical of the playoffs and get one other crack at Boston. However for now, all New York has is hope….Hope that enjoying Boston carefully as soon as unlocks one thing psychologically, like believing they’ll grasp with the defending champs in the event that they get yet another shot.”
The Knicks have been 0-10 in opposition to the Prime 3 groups within the NBA:
vs. Celtics (0-4)vs. Cavaliers (0-4)vs. Thunder (0-2)
READ MORE: Tyrese Maxey Will get Tremendous Trustworthy About Joel Embiid’s Harm Nightmare