N.Y. Knicks' 10 Most Important Games in March

The New York Knicks managed to come out of February at .500, but it was a grind, and only a taste of what's to come.

New York plays 17 games in March, 10 of which will come against opponents with winning records and 12 of which will come against potential playoff teams. And while every game is crucial, some hold more weight than others.

The upcoming month will play a large role in whether the Knicks move into the realm of contention, or find themselves on the outside looking in at the playoff bubble. 

At Boston Celtics, March 4

The Knicks kick off March with a four-game road trip, and it is imperative they start it strong.

While Carmelo Anthony and company have had problems of their own, their outlook has appeared much brighter than the Boston Celtics', who have fallen behind them in the playoff race.

If things keep going the way they are for both teams, they may find themselves duking it out for the No. 7 and 8 seeds. 

Is that important? 

Considering that race could mean the difference between playing the Miami Heat and not playing the Miami Heat, the answer is yes.

That's why the Knicks must establish themselves as the better team now, as it could prove vital down the road.

At Dallas Mavericks, March 6

The Knicks took down the Dallas Mavericks at home in February, but in March, they play on Dirk Nowitzki's turf.

To be considered an elite team, you must beat other high-quality teams consistently, not just on a whim. The Knicks have an opportunity to make the former a reality with a second straight victory over the reigning champs.

Nowitzki and company will be out for payback, and it's up to New York to match the intensity level.

If the Knicks steal one in Dallas, the case for them to be included in the upper echelon of teams grows stronger.

And more importantly, the momentum gained from such a victory will help carry them through the remainder of a brutal month. 

At Milwaukee Bucks, March 9

The Milwaukee Bucks embarrassed the Knicks at home back in January, and this is New York's opportunity to return the favor.

Well, that and the Knicks will be fresh off back-to-back road games against the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs.

Realistically, New York could come out of that brief stretch losers of two in a row, making it even more important that the team ends the road trip on a positive note.

Even should the Knicks win one, or both, of the previous games, the contest against Milwaukee presents an opportunity for them to prove they can beat the teams there should be no question of beating.

New York is notorious for playing down to the level of their opponent, a tendency that must cease to exist. 

And the path toward a resolution begins here.

Vs. Philadelphia 76ers, March 11

After spending more than a week-and-a-half away from Madison Square Garden, the Knicks must come back with a bang.

The Atlantic Division-leading Philadelphia 76ers will be in town, and though New York prevailed in the last meeting, this game must be treated with the utmost of care.

Philadelphia is one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and if the Knicks wish to move up in the standings, they are going to have to keep pace with the better teams consistently.

New York also has to learn how to hold its home court.

February losses to teams like the New Orleans Hornets and New Jersey Nets are of concern, as the Knicks must be able to put even more talented teams, like the 76ers, away when at the Garden.

At Chicago Bulls, March 12

Even before the Knicks discovered new levels of depth, they matched up well with the Chicago Bulls.

Now, with both teams getting healthy, this game serves as a measuring stick for where the Knicks stand amongst the league's elite.

New York lost a tight one last time around, but that was at home, and they still got picked apart by Derrick Rose. A full-strength Bulls team in their own arena poses an even greater challenge.

But not an impassable one.

If the Knicks want to be taken seriously as contenders, they must beat the best when they are at their best.

Barring any major injuries on the Bulls' behalf, that's just want New York has the opportunity to do here. 

Vs. Indiana Pacers, March 16

The Knicks face an Eastern Conference rival in the Indiana Pacers at the Garden for the first part of a home-and-home.

New York has yet to see the revamped Indiana this season, and the first part of this miniseries is extremely important. It provides the Knicks with another opportunity to hold down their home court against a playoff-bound team, while also forcing them to prepare for one it hasn't seen yet this season.

The Pacers, like the Knicks, are still learning how to play together. The only difference is Indiana has found a way to win more games.

As the Knicks wind down their stretch of hell, it's imperative they finish strong. A flurry of what should be easy wins will soon follow, and a low-self esteem heading in will prove costly.

And there's no better way to build up self-esteem than by taking down a formidable rival. 

Vs. Toronto Raptors, March 20

After playing five straight games against above-average teams, the Toronto Raptors are an opponent the Knicks cannot afford to suffer a lapse against.

The last time these two met, New York had to claw its way back from a double-digit deficit, and it took a three-pointer from Jeremy Lin in the closing seconds to grab the victory.

That cannot happen this time. Not on the Knicks' floor. Not as they emerge from one of their toughest stretches of the season.

The Raptors, thanks to their penchant for forcing opponents to defend for a full 24 seconds each possession, present a tough matchup for New York.

But this time around, it's a matchup the Knicks must prove they can easily overcome.

Vs. Detroit Pistons, March 24

The Knicks' game at home against the Detroit Pistons has "trap game" written all over it.

New York has won rather easily over Detroit twice this season, but the Pistons have played much better as of late. And almost fresh off a stretch of games against playoff-caliber teams, the Knicks are liable to dial down their level of intensity.

The fact that they beat the Pistons twice already only increases the likelihood they enter a lull.

Additionally, this late in the season, Detroit will be set to play spoiler, and New York will be a prime candidate for the Pistons to target.

As the Knicks enter the last 30 days or so of the season, it's imperative they remain at the top of their game, even against lesser teams like the Pistons.

Vs. Orlando Magic, March 28

Regardless of whether or not Dwight Howard is still a member of the Orlando Magic, this game will be an important one for the Knicks.

New York lost a winnable one at home to the Magic back in January, and this contest provides an opportunity to erase it from memory.

Like most of the Knicks' opponents in March, the Magic will be playoff bound, forcing New York to face yet another test.

Orlando may have Howard here, or they may not. Either way, the Knicks have an opportunity to once again prove themselves while gaining ground in the postseason race.

At Cleveland Cavaliers, March 31

Even in the post-LeBron James era, the Cleveland Cavaliers have posed a tough matchup for the Knicks.

At this point, after more than a month of playing with each other and April staring them in the face, the drastically different Knicks will have run out their grace period.

New York has not won in Cleveland since November of 2006, and that's not a streak a championship contender can take into the postseason.

Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers have been surprisingly competitive thus far, but if the Knicks wish to distinguish themselves from the pack, especially with the postseason so close, this is an exceptionally must-have game to close out March.

Follow @danfavale