The New York Knicks are heading into the postseason with a clear advantage after the Atlanta Hawks suffered a major setback. With the first-round series approaching, the latest injury news gives New York an extra edge and changes the way both teams may approach the matchup from the opening tip.
Hawks Lose Jock Landale
According to CBS Sports, Hawks center Jock Landale will be re-evaluated in two weeks after suffering a high right ankle sprain.
That timeline all but rules him out for the start of the playoffs and leaves Atlanta thinner inside at a critical time. Landale had already missed two weeks, and the update suggests the Hawks will have to keep adjusting without him.
Knicks Enter In Better Shape
GettyHead coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to the media day availability
Health has been one of the Knicks’ biggest strengths entering the postseason. Under Mike Brown, New York has emphasized rest, rotation management, and keeping its core ready for the playoffs.
That approach matters now because playoff basketball punishes teams already dealing with nagging injuries or short rotations. In the latest media day availability, Mike Brown said that all Knicks players practiced. which is definitely good news.
What the New York Knicks Must Do
The Knicks would be able to protect themselves by limiting minutes, not taking any unnecessary risks in transition, and utilizing their deeper rotation whenever possible. In my opinion, that is why Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns should be the ones to lead the way early on, while Mitchell Robinson offers them rim protection and rebounding off the bench.
If Mike Brown can also manage to give Miles McBride and Landry Shamet consistent minutes, New York will be able to get through the tough stretches without having to excessively rely on its stars.
Usually, physical games in the playoffs are decided by who is better conditioned, who has had better recovery and who is able to keep their cool under pressure, so pretty substitution patterns and effective communication will be very important.
The Knicks do not have to go after spectacular plays; rather, they have to play well-controlled basketball and have faith in their depth. This is particularly vital in a series in which a single awkward landing or a collision in the dying moments can flip the whole momentum.
Injuries can really be the factor that alter the Knicks’ potential very quickly. The Knicks already had a taste of that in this season, when they lost Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns to knee injuries and Mitchell Robinson, who had a season-high 22 rebounds in a victory over Indiana, had to play longer minutes.
Such a makeshift line-up may be sufficient for a single night, but not for a seven-game series. Even OG Anunoby’s ankle injury that he suffered towards the end was a reminder that the margin of error can be so small that each possession, matchup and the way you land become very important once the playoffs are underway.
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