Knicks' Playoff Seeding Scenarios Shift
The Knicks' playoff seeding is in flux — analysts say snagging the No. 4 seed might be a strategic advantage, especially with a favorable matchup against the Toronto Raptors https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7086543/2026/03/09/knicks-nba-playoff-seeding-predictions/. But the volatile Eastern Conference means they could face a wide range of opponents https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7086543/2026/03/09/knicks-nba-playoff-seeding-predictions/. The team's inconsistency is being compared to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with strong outings followed by surprising letdowns https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7086543/2026/03/09/knicks-nba-playoff-seeding-predictions/.
For the Knicks, a No. 4 seed could mean avoiding the Eastern Conference's top teams, like the Detroit Pistons (45-15) and Boston Celtics (41-21), until later in the playoffs. The Raptors, currently fifth in the East (35-26), have been a streaky team, but a favorable matchup is never guaranteed. The Knicks' 2025-26 season has been marked by stretches of dominance and periods of struggle, reflected in their current 41-24 record. Coach Mike Brown, hired in July 2025, is trying to instill consistency. New York won the inaugural NBA Cup in December, defeating the San Antonio Spurs. However, they also endured a 2-9 stretch in January, including two separate four-game losing streaks. The Raptors won their only NBA Championship in 2019, led by Kawhi Leonard. They beat the Knicks in their first ever playoff series in 2001. The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999, losing to the San Antonio Spurs. Their last championship came in 1973 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA playoffs involve eight teams from each conference. The top six teams automatically qualify, while teams 7-10 participate in a play-in tournament to determine the final two seeds. Tiebreakers for playoff seeding include head-to-head record, division record, and conference record. Home-court advantage in each playoff series goes to the team with the better regular-season record. The Knicks and Celtics have a storied playoff history, having played 73 games with the Celtics holding a slight 38-35 edge. The Knicks last won a playoff series in 2025, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.
