With two games remaining in the regular season, the New York Knicks are guaranteed a spot in the postseason.
In contrast, the New Orleans Pelicans are aware that they will continue to play beyond the regular season, but they are unaware of many specifics. What lies ahead will be made clearer by the outcome of their regular-season home finale against New York on Friday night.
The Pelicans (41-39) secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference play-in tournament. 9 seed when they beat Memphis, who was visiting, 138-131 in overtime in a crazy game on Wednesday night.
In the final five seconds of the fourth quarter, New Orleans lost a six-point lead and found itself in overtime after trailing by 19 points late in the second quarter. However, it rebounded to lead by 19 points in the final quarter.
The Pelicans scored the first 10 points of the extra period to take control, scoring first with two 3-pointers from Trey Murphy III.
New Orleans, which plays Minnesota on Sunday to conclude the regular season, still has a chance of finishing anywhere from 5 to No. Nine in the West By winning eight of its last ten games, it has improved its standing.
The Knicks (47-33) will be the No. 1 team. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, where they will play the No. 4 against Cleveland in the opening round.
Meanwhile, New York’s attention is on getting solid.
Due to a left ankle sprain, forward Julius Randle, the Knicks’ leading scorer and rebounder (25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds per game), is still out and will miss at least the final two games of the regular season. RJ Barrett has been out of the last two games due to illness, and guard Jalen Brunson missed Wednesday night’s 138-129 victory over Indiana due to a hand injury.
Immanuel Quickley had 39 points in the game against Indiana, while Quentin Grimes had a career-high 36.
The Knicks held a 52-37 rebounding edge thanks to Obi Toppin’s 32 points and Mitchell Robinson’s 14 points and 16 rebounds.
The Knicks, who finish the regular season at home against the Pacers on Sunday, will be attempting to sharpen their game for the playoffs regardless of who is available, whereas the Pelicans will be attempting to improve their postseason positioning.
