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The New York Knicks grabbed some snacks and a drink, flipped to NBC on their TVs and kicked their feet up. 

The grin on their faces cracked wider and wider as the Game 7 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers went on. 

As Boston and Philadelphia added another edition to an all time rivalry, the Knicks continued resting after pummelling the Atlanta Hawks in a closeout Game 6 earlier this week. 

Just when most anticipated a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals between the Celtics and Knicks, the Sixers threw a curveball at the world with their improbable comeback from down 1-3 in the first round and ended Boston’s season in stunning fashion.

From one rivalry to the next, the Sixers now move on to the Knicks, whom they squared off against two years ago in a rather controversial first round series. (Remember the “dirty” play on Mitchell Robinson?)

Here comes Philadelphia again. Again as the seventh-seed. Again ready to walk into Madison Square Garden believing whole-heartedly they can win.

Because everyone wants to beat the Knicks.

New York arrives at Game 1 rested in body, and unburdened in thought.

New York Knicks Bench Boss Fires Straight Message Ahead of Game 1

In a matter of hours, it’s possible the Knicks stand as the highest remaining seed in the Eastern Conference. That’s something few predicted entering the spring tournament.

GettyJalen Brunson #11 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks in action in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on April 19, 2025 in New York City.

If the Detroit Pistons lose to the Orlando Magic in Game 7 this afternoon, the Knicks are guaranteed home court advantage throughout the rest of the playoffs. 

But for now, the next round is in focus. 

New York rebounded after two straight losses to the Hawks to win in six games. With the Celtics — once hailed as the Knicks’ biggest threat in the East — out of the way, the path to the NBA Finals has changed significantly. 

Can the Knicks capitalize on being awarded a matchup against the seven seed in the second round? 

Head coach Mike Brown means straight business as his Knicks prepare for Game 1. No matter the level of the challenger ahead.

“It’s about us, and a lot of times it’s about us even if we know who we’re playing,” said Brown, who coached New York to 53 wins in the regular season. “There’s plenty that you can work on without knowing who your opponent is because you’re trying to get better or sharper in the areas that make you who you are.”

NY Unfazed by Next Opponent

With a triumph over the Hawks, the Knicks have punched their ticket to the semifinals in four consecutive seasons. That hadn’t happened since the Knicks earned straight second round appearances from 1992 to 2000, according to the New York Post.

The Knicks had their moments in round one. It looked like they were going through the motions at times. But they did enough to convince many they are a legitimate threat to make it out of the East. 

Things appear much different with the once-favorited Celtics booted from the tournament. 

In Game 1 of the second round, the Knicks and Sixers will meet for the fifth time this season. The previous four matchups saw each team claim two wins. But the Knicks come in with the upperhand after winning the last meeting by a whopping 49 points back on Feb. 11, despite Jalen Brunson recording just eight points.

But clearly, the Sixers look much more imposing with the way Joel Embiid has been playing lately. The 32-year-old star big man crushed the Celtics’ spirit in the final three games of the first round, combining for 86 total points, including a pair of 30-point gems.

None bigger than his 33 points in Game 7 on Saturday night. 

Does New York possess the personnel to contain Embiid? Certainly more than the Celtics had, so there’s a plus.

How do the Knicks match up with the Sixers? Certainly better than the Knicks did.

The Knicks have the size and depth to limit what the Sixers do best. But one can never know with these classic Eastern Conference playoff rivalries. 

It can go either way.