Celtics or 76ers? Breaking down who Knicks should want next in playoffs
The New York Knicks have advanced to the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs and await the outcome of the Celtics-76ers Game 7 to determine their next opponent. Analysts are debating whether the Knicks would prefer facing the Boston Celtics or the Philadelphia 76ers in the upcoming series. Both potential matchups present unique challenges, including high-level coaching and star player dynamics.
- ▪The Knicks defeated the Hawks to advance to the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
- ▪The Celtics and 76ers are set to play a Game 7 in Boston to determine who faces the Knicks next.
- ▪Boston's Joe Mazzulla is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year, while Philadelphia's Nick Nurse is also a championship-winning coach.
- ▪Jalen Brunson played a key role in the Knicks' victory over the Hawks.
- ▪The article examines the strategic implications of facing either the Celtics or the 76ers in the next round.
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New York Knicks Celtics or 76ers? Breaking down who Knicks should want next in playoffs By Jared Schwartz Published May 1, 2026, 6:47 p.m. ET Jalen Brunson walks off the court after the Knicks defeated the Hawks on April 30. Charles Wenzelberg It’s a development most didn’t see coming. See Also New York Knicks Josh Hart demanded Knicks let him guard CJ McCollum — it flipped the series: ‘The challenge I wanted’ Entering the postseason, it seemed a lock that the Knicks would face the Celtics in the second round as long as they got through the Hawks. But now, the Celtics and 76ers are set for a Game 7 — Saturday in Boston — to determine the Knicks’ next opponent.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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