The Knicks’ secret weapon for dominance in the Eastern Conference against the Cavs, the Celtics

The New York Knicks are in a good position for a deep playoff run this season. However, how deep depends on if and when they become fully healthy. New York was already relatively thin on its reserves.

They were without backup guard Myles McBride for the past five games, though the West Virginia guard has been cleared to play in Friday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But more importantly, The Knicks still lack a starting center (since the beginning of last season), Mitchell Robinson. And it’s a big loss as they hope to compete with the depth of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Knicks need help on the offensive glass

Robinson had the second-highest rebounds per game for New York last season and led the NBA in offensive rebounds per game with 4.6. Those offensive rebounds are key to generating second-chance points. But without Robinson and with the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York’s other points suffered. For context, the Knicks were second in second-chance points last season and are just 14th entering Friday night’s game.

Those second-chance points can be soul-crushing, especially in the playoffs. Fortunately, New York still has Karl-Anthony Towns, who ranks 11th in offensive rebounds, and Josh Hart, who ranks 32nd. But they clearly need more help, especially if they hope to compete with the best in the Eastern Conference.

For what it’s worth, New York remains an above-average offensive rebounding team without Robinson, as they rank seventh in offensive rebounds per game. But once Robinson returns, they could return to the top of the league in offensive rebounding and second-chance points.

Second chance points should be in New York niche

Neither Cleveland nor Boston are technically elite in rebounding or generating second-chance points. The Celtics are ninth in the league in second-chance points, and the Cavaliers are 21st.

However, both are incredibly skilled elsewhere. For example, Cleveland is second in turnovers and Boston surrenders fifth with fewest points in the leagueit is stated on the NBA website. The Knicks don’t play too fast, they rank 26th in pace and they don’t shoot many threes, they rank 24th in attempts per game, but what the Knicks do do well is score in the paint, fifth, and take care of the basketball, with a team that has fourth-fewest sacks per game in the NBA. They also have the potential to rebound the ball and generate second-chance points at an elite level – once Robinson returns.

When will Robinson be back?

Fortunately, Robinson is expected to return sooner rather than later. Robinson remains sidelined after suffering an ankle injury in a playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers last spring. The fact that Robinson still hasn’t been cleared to practice is alarming. But his detailed history with ankle injuries makes the idea of ​​caution seem a little more prudent.

It was originally reported that Robinson would return in late December or early January. Then ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an updatestating that he would not be back until late January or early February. But how Robinson returns is more important than when he does it.

A healthy Robinson is a game-changer for New York, which went 19-12 with Robinson in the lineup last season. With Robinson in tow, New York is getting harder to find. They can move Towns to the four and play him alongside Robinson or give Towns more rest while knowing the middle is dressed with Robinson on the floor. And Robinson and Towns will complement each other wonderfully, with Towns leading the league in defensive rebounds and Robinson poised to defend his offensive crown.

Either way, the Knicks are currently without a backup center. That won’t work well against the Cavaliers and Celtics, as both teams boast at least two capable seven-pointers. So hopefully Robinson will be back in action with plenty of time to improve before the 2025 NBA playoffs.