The New York Knicks enter the Eastern Conference Finals with a seven-game winning streak, making them the heavy favorites to end their 26-year NBA Finals absence.
During their winning streak, the Knicks have demolished their opponents by an average of 26. 4 points, shooting 54. 8% from the field and 43. 2% from three.
Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. has seen enough to conclude that the Knicks are the team to beat and will be “scary” in a possible NBA Finals encounter.
The Knicks have a solid foundation and are feeling very good about themselves, according to Hardaway, who spoke with FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back”.
“They’re terrifying and look like [the team to beat],” Hardaway said. “Also, I appreciate that they were like, ‘Alright, cool,’ when their boss [James Dolan] told them to ‘get to the championship, or something is going to happen. ‘” That’s how they look. “
Knicks Wait for Pistons, Cavaliers
The Knicks are presently awaiting the outcome of the Detroit Pistons versus. Cleveland Cavaliers series, with Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals set to take place on May 17 or 19. Despite the fact that the Cavaliers took a 3-2 series lead over the Pistons on Wednesday, Hardaway believes that the Pistons-Knicks series would be more competitive.
“Hopefully Detroit will win this series,” Hardaway remarked.
“Then we’re going to have a really, really good matchup. That series will be enjoyable for all NBA basketball fans. “
Further to Hardaway’s point, the top-seeded Pistons defeated the Knicks 3-0 in their three regular-season meetings by an average of 28. 0 points. While the Knicks have found their rhythm in the playoffs, the Pistons’ strong defense and inside presence may cause some issues for Mike Brown and Co.
Knicks’ NBA Finals Odds
According to historical data, the Knicks will not only return to the NBA Finals for the first time in 26 years, but will also end their 53-year championship drought.
According to ESPN Insights, the Knicks joined an elite club of former champions after hammering the Philadelphia 76ers by 30 points, 144-114, in their series-clinching victory last Sunday. The red-hot Knicks have accomplished something in these playoffs that just three other title-winning teams have done en route to the championship: the 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder, 2008 Boston Celtics, and 1987 Los Angeles Lakers.
“The Knicks are the fourth team in NBA history to have numerous 30-point series-clinching victories in a single postseason. They join the 2025 Thunder, 2008 Celtics, and 1987 Lakers. All three of those clubs eventually won the NBA championship.
According to ESPNBet, the Knicks (-215) are the betting favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals and have the third-shortest odds (+550) to win the championship, behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder (-175) and San Antonio Spurs (+340).
