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The Knicks entered the playoffs last year fresh off a mildly disappointing regular season, but they came together and found their mojo to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter-century. New York fans might have to hope history repeats itself this year.
It's been a fine season for the Knicks, who reached the 50-win mark, but a team that entered the season with realistic hopes of winning the East doesn't look like the juggernaut many expected. Not only did New York cede the top spot in the East to the Pistons, but the Celtics also have a better record despite playing most of the season without Jayson Tatum.
If the Knicks want to put together another deep run, their path might go through the Celtics once again.
Here's a look at the Knicks' updated playoff scenarios and their place in the East standings.
MORE: Updated NBA standings, clinching scenarios
Knicks playoff scenarios
With Friday's win over the Toronto Raptors, the Knicks have clinched the No. 3 seed in the East. The Celtics were able to beat the Pelicans handily on Friday night, which clinched the two seed for Boston.
New York entered Friday as the East's No. 3 seed, one game up on the Cavaliers. Because the Knicks can't finish lower than fourth in the East, they were guaranteed to start the playoffs at home. As the third seed, however, the Knicks look to be on a collision course for a second-round rematch on the road in Boston for the second round.
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Knicks playoff standings
With the regular season concluded, the Knicks earned the No. 3 seed.
Standings updated through games on April 12.
| Seed | Team | Wins | Losses | Games Back |
| 1 | Pistons* | 60 | 22 | -- |
| 2 | Celtics* | 56 | 26 | 4 |
| 3 | Knicks* | 53 | 29 | 7 |
| 4 | Cavaliers* | 52 | 30 | 8 |
| 5 | Raptors* | 46 | 36 | 14 |
| 6 | Hawks* | 46 | 36 | 14 |
| 7 | 76ers** | 45 | 37 | 15 |
| 8 | Magic** | 45 | 37 | 15 |
| 9 | Hornets** | 44 | 38 | 16 |
| 10 | Heat** | 43 | 39 | 17 |
*clinched NBA Playoff berth
**clinched Play-In Tournament berth
Eliminated from NBA Playoff contention: Bucks, Bulls, Nets, Pacers, Wizards
MORE: Updated NBA mock draft
Knicks remaining schedule
Here is how the Knicks will close out the regular season:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Sun, April 12 | vs. Hornets | 6 p.m. |
Knicks playoff opponent
The Knicks will have home-court advantage for a first-round series against the sixth-seeded Atlanta Hawks.
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