With Detroit leapfrogging Milwaukee into the No. 5 spot, the No. 3 vs. No. 6 first-round playoff matchup has a new look. A Knicks victory over the Bucks on Friday would accomplish two crucial goals: slowing the surging No. 4 Indiana Pacers, who now trail New York by just 2.5 games, and solidifying the Bucks’ current position at No. 6.

It’s the third straight year the Knicks have made the postseason and the fourth time in five years during the Tom Thibodeau era.

The New York Knicks couldn’t secure a playoff spot with a win, but with the Atlanta Hawks losing on New York’s off day, they officially clinched a spot in the