While the 2022-23 regular season is due to end in five days, many things obviously remain to be defined in terms of the NBA rankings. But in the East, we already know a first poster of Playoffs: Cavaliers versus Knicks in the first round!
It’s official. Five years following its last appearance in the Playoffs, Cleveland will meet New York for its comeback in the postseason, with home advantage as a bonus.
Last night’s results indeed solidified the Cavaliers’ and Knicks’ place in the standings. By winning in Orlando thanks to a new Donovan Mitchell festival, and with Philadelphia’s victory over Boston, the Ohio franchise is guaranteed to finish fourth in the East (record of 50 wins – 30 losses, tie- unfavorable breaker on the Sixers). As for the Knicks, they are certain to finish fifth following the loss of the Nets once morest Minnesota. New York (46-33) is indeed three games ahead of neighbor Brookyn (46-33), and has the advantage at the tie-breaker.
Knicks clinch No. 5 seed, face Cavaliers in first round of NBA playoffs https://t.co/nC0uS5yi9S pic.twitter.com/RdYSa739IX
— New York Post (@nypost) April 5, 2023
Cavaliers vs Knicks, it promises us a big entry series.
Remember the last confrontation between the two teams a few days ago, when Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson unleashed a huge duel in front of the Cleveland public. Something to make our mouths water, obviously hoping that Knicks All-Star inside Julius Randle will also be there following his recent ankle injury.
Interesting stat to keep in mind: the Knicks have won three of four games once morest Cleveland This year. Suffice to say that it will not be a cakewalk for the Cavs despite their very good consistency. In particular, they will need a Mitchell in top form, he who – we remind you – came very close to being transferred to… New York last summer.
