Knicks Have to Hope for Ugly Outcome, It Might Make Them Title Favorites

As things stand currently, the Knicks will have to beat both the Cavs and Celtics in the playoffs to make their first Finals appearance of the 21st century. Based on their record so far, it seems like they can beat practically everyone with ease aside from those two teams. 

"I’ll just point out that a lot of weird things can happen in the playoffs and on the way to the playoffs," wrote The Athletic's Law Murray in his most recent power rankings, where the Knicks took the fourth spot. "The Knicks know that very well, losing Julius Randle before the All-Star break last year while dealing with a rash of injuries until their elimination in the semifinals. New York has made it very clear this season that it’s not capable of beating the three teams ahead of it in these rankings."

With Julius Randle out for the entire playoffs last season and Mitchell Robinson hurt for seven games in the postseason, the Knicks are no stranger to untimely injury. Unfortunately, the Knicks might have to rely on their opponents suffering a similar fate this season.

It's never great to root for injuries, but it's hard to imagine New York making it to the promised land without something like that happening down the stretch.