MMBets: The New York Knicks will give the Celtics a run for their money

The New York Knicks’ season ended last year when they were ousted in seven games by the Indiana Pacers. They had their first 50-win season since 2013, but the war of attrition they battled for months ultimately felled them short of a Conference Finals appearance. Despite their success, they quickly shook up their roster and acquired two high-caliber forwards to bolster their front line. Now, with the East at the mercy of the Boston Celtics, New York turns to defense and chemistry to try and dethrone the incumbent champions.

New York Knicks (Over/Under 54.5 Wins)

Key Adds – Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges

Key Losses – Julius Randle, Isaiah Hartenstein, Donte DiVincenzo

The off-season for the Knicks was stellar. Before they acquired Karl-Anthony Towns they dealt for Mikal Bridges and reunited him with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. When that deal was done, the Knicks immediately vaulted a tier. Alongside OG Anunoby, Bridges gave New York a pair of forwards that could guard anyone in the league.

The outlier was always Julius Randle, who they played without for the entirety of the playoffs. The Knicks won seven playoff games in his absence, and it was clear that his presence was no longer needed. This realization resulted in a consolidation of assets and they sent him and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for Towns. Now, not only did New York’s defense take another leap, but their spacing improved drastically and their theoretical basketball cohesion skyrocketed.

They will miss DiVincenzo and Hartenstein. Both of those guys played how Tom Thibodeau demanded of his players and were beloved by the city. However, when you have the chance to improve the starting lineup at multiple positions, you have to take it and lose touch with emotion. Now, the Knicks have a superstar leader in Jalen Brunson, world-class defense at the two through five, and a lot of young talent on their bench (including rookie Tyler Kolek, who I think will be good). Their roster can afford for guys to miss games, which is key for a Thibodeau-coached team. In a weaker Eastern Conference, the Knicks will be a top-three team and should finish with at least 55 wins. When the post-season comes around, they provide the best chance in the East to take down the Celtics. Do not be surprised if there are NBA Finals games in Madison Square Garden next season.

PREDICTION – Over 54.5 wins