The New York Knicks are expected to compete for a playoff berth after acquiring Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah as part of a complete roster revamp this offseason, yet while expectations are high, we aren't sure just how good this team actually is. Here are five games that will tell us if New York is destined for the playoffs, or if they'll be a lottery team:
5) vs. Atlanta Hawks - Jan. 16
Atlanta now figures to be a borderline playoff team after losing Al Horford, and with this game being in the middle of the season, it'll give us a good barometer when figuring out what to expect from the Knicks moving forward.
4) vs. Boston Celtics - Dec. 25
Christmas Day games are showcase games, but facing a Celtics team that is expected to be a high playoff seed gives it even more importance. A win could make a difference in a tiebreaker in the division.
3) at Cleveland Cavaliers - Oct. 25
The season opener is a doozy, facing the Cavs in Cleveland while they celebrate their first every championship. A loss to the Cavaliers is obviously nothing to hang your head about, but it's also a chance to make a statement to the rest of the league. A competitive game - even in a loss - should give New York confidence that they can play with anyone.
2) at Toronto Raptors - Nov. 12
Toronto has won the division each of the last three seasons, and while they're the odds-on favorite to finish second in the East again this year, their position in the conference is very vulnerable. This game may not have the fan appeal of the holiday games on this list, but beating the three-time defending division champ on the road in their first matchup of the season would certainly send a message that the Knicks are for real.
1) at Chicago Bulls - Nov. 4
Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah's return to Chicago will bring back plenty of mixed feelings from both sides, but it will be a game that will be fun to watch - especially between two teams the figure to be on the fringe of the playoffs. If the Knicks can put those feelings aside this early in the season and win convincingly, we'll know New York is mentally strong enough to make the playoffs as a middle seed.
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