Knicks Playoff Seed Clinching Scenarios Ahead of Game vs Pistons

The 50-29 New York Knicks find themselves on the cusp of securing the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed on Thursday night, as they're set to tip off against a potential first-round opponent, the No. 6-seeded Detroit Pistons (43-36), in a premium primetime matchup.

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This encounter could have massive ripple effects for New York's standing in the playoffs, as outlined by NBA Communications. The 48-31 Indiana Pacers, the East's No. 4 seed, are just two games behind the Knicks as of this writing.

Should the Knicks beat the Pistons and log their 51st win of the year, they will lock up the East's No. 3 seed. New York could still clinch the third seed if the Pacers lose their Thursday tilt against the conference's top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (63-16).

Should the Pacers lose and the No. 5-seeded Milwaukee Bucks lose to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, Indiana will sew up the fourth seed.

According to a recent league injury report, New York is sitting several key pieces ahead of this clash. Small forward OG Anunoby (right thumb sprain), shooting guard Josh Hart (right knee patellofemoral syndrome), and center Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgery recovery) are all on the shelf, among the Knicks' rotation pieces.

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In light of all the surprise injury additions, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic speculates that New York might be trying to throw a game and drop a seed. Missing top defenders Anunoby, Hart and Robinson could be just enough to tank the Knicks' chances against a chippy Pistons squad.

As Edwards observes, Detroit would need to win out to capture the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, a tall task when its last two games will arrive against the East's current fifth seed, the 45-34 Milwaukee Bucks. So more than likely, the Bucks will secure the No. 5 seed.

The Bucks have been without nine-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard since a March 18 loss to the Golden State Warriors. The 34-year-old is dealing with a deep vein thrombosis, a.k.a. a blood clot, in his right calf, and his fate for the postseason is unclear. He has already been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the lowly New Orleans Pelicans.

Even if Lillard does return to the Bucks, it could take him a few games to get into "NBA condition," making him vulnerable — at least in the early going — of any playoff series.

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