The New York Knicks are entering the final stretch of the regular season with just three games remaining before the NBA playoffs begin. The team currently sits comfortably in the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 position, with only a slim chance of moving up to the second seed if the Boston Celtics unexpectedly falter.
As the postseason approaches, teams usually shorten their rotations and rely on their most trusted players. Knicks head coach Mike Brown appears to have already made key decisions about how his team will approach the playoffs.
During a media session before New York’s matchup with the Celtics, Brown suggested that the rotation used in the recent win over the Atlanta Hawks could closely resemble the one used in the playoffs. His comments hinted that the Knicks may already have their main group of players locked in for postseason action.
Mike Brown Signals a Nine-Man Playoff Rotation
Brown indicated that the nine players who took the court during the Knicks’ 108-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks are likely to form the foundation of the team’s playoff lineup. While he left a small possibility for adjustments, the coach sounded confident that the group is almost finalized.
In playoff basketball, rotations often shrink because coaches rely heavily on players they trust the most. Brown acknowledged that it is difficult to give meaningful minutes to more than nine players once the postseason begins. As a result, New York appears ready to move forward with a tight rotation built around its core contributors.
Expected Knicks Playoff Rotation
The players involved in the Hawks game provide a strong indication of which Knicks will be relied upon when the playoffs start.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | Starting guard |
| Mikal Bridges | Starting wing |
| OG Anunoby | Starting forward |
| Josh Hart | Starting forward |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Starting center |
| Landry Shamet | Bench scorer |
| Miles McBride | Backup guard |
| Mitchell Robinson | Backup center |
| Jordan Clarkson | Bench guard |
Each of these players saw meaningful playing time in the Hawks matchup. Most logged more than 20 minutes, showing how central they are to the team’s current plans.
Jordan Clarkson Earns Key Spot in Rotation
One of the most interesting parts of Brown’s decision appears to be the inclusion of Jordan Clarkson. Earlier in the season, Clarkson had a smaller role and limited minutes, but his performances in recent weeks have helped him regain a consistent place in the lineup.
Clarkson has provided scoring and defensive effort off the bench, giving the Knicks an experienced guard who can stabilize second-unit minutes. His resurgence has allowed him to move ahead in the rotation at a critical time in the season.
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Jose Alvarado Likely Outside the Main Playoff Group
While Clarkson seems to have secured a role, the situation is less favorable for Jose Alvarado. The guard joined the Knicks at the trade deadline in February, but his recent performances have not produced the same impact as expected.
Alvarado’s minutes and influence have declined as the playoffs approach. Based on Brown’s recent comments, he may begin the postseason outside the main nine-man rotation unless circumstances force adjustments.
Another player not included in the expected rotation is rookie Mohamed Diawara. Despite showing promise during the regular season, his role has gradually reduced as the team prepares for playoff basketball.
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Knicks Focus on Stability Before Playoffs
With the postseason only days away, New York appears focused on stability and defined roles. Brown’s comments suggest that the coaching staff wants a reliable group that understands its responsibilities and can execute under playoff pressure.
The Knicks still have a few regular-season games remaining, which could offer a final opportunity to test combinations. However, the overall structure of the rotation now appears largely set.
If the playoffs began today, New York would likely rely on the same nine players who delivered the gritty win over Atlanta. That group could form the backbone of the Knicks’ attempt to make a deep postseason run.
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