New York Knicks: How Knicks Make It into the Playoffs Without Amare Stoudemire

The New York Knicks are back in the playoff race after winning seven of their last eight games under Mike Woodson.

Now with Amare Stoudemire out for two to four weeks with a bulging disk, the Knicks are going to have to find a new way to win and secure a spot in the playoffs.

With the Knicks two games ahead of the Bucks in the eighth spot and two games behind the Celtics for the seventh, a lot is riding on the these next 16 games.

No need to worry, though. Here are the top things that the Knicks have to do to make the playoffs.

Tyson Chandler: Man in the Middle

Somebody is going to have to fill the void in the middle, and Tyson Chandler is the person to do that.

Tyson Chandler has brought everything that the Knicks wanted this year—defense and another big man to take some of the pressure off of Stoudemire.

Averaging 11 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game this season, Chandler is going to have to increase those number during this span of games. Expect more pressure on Chandler as he loses Amare on the other block.

 As long as Chandler stays out of foul trouble and keeps his calm, the Knicks can ride on his shoulders.

New York Knicks Bench: Mob Deep

The Knicks' bench is filled with key role players that could be sixth men or starters on some NBA teams.

Last year there was no such thing as a Knicks bench, but this year the Knicks' bench has been the backbone of the team.

Players like J.R Smith, Baron Davis, Iman Shumpert and Jared Jefferies are already used to a backup role and know what they have to do in times of despair.

When Carmelo Anthony was out earlier in the season, the bench was the best thing that ever happened to New York. Remember, the bench is where Jeremy Lin was discovered.

Who will step up this time for the Knicks? Maybe discount double-check Steve Novac?

Jeremy Lin: More Linsanity

This situation sounds familiar—big star goes down in New York and Linsanity sweeps across the Big Apple.

We might not get the whole Linsanity fever, but the Knicks are going to need Lin to bring his A game.

Even though Lin has been sidelined with a sore knee, he will be back just in time to give the Knicks a boost. Only having to distribute the ball to Carmelo now, expect Lin to have more shots in the offense.

If Lin can take advantage of this role, it can mean a lot for the Knicks getting into the playoffs. The Knicks need Melo and Lin to co-exist and mesh before the playoffs kickoff.

Carmelo Anthony: Melo or Bust

The Knicks traded just about their whole team last year for Carmelo Anthony because he was the star player that they wanted. Well, the time is now for Anthony to show why he was worth the trade and to prove that he is an elite player.

Since Mike Woodson took over the head coaching role, Melo has fit right in with the scheme—less shots and more defense. With Amare gone, Melo is going to be in a predicament to which he is no stranger, as the premier scorer under the big lights.

Melo thrives with the ball in his hands, making plays for his team. Carmelo Anthony with some defense in his arsenal could get very scary for some teams in the East.

Amare Stoudemire: The Return

The back problem that keeps coming back to haunt Amare and the Knicks is in play again. Last year this same back injury crippled the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs as they were swept by the Celtics.

The injury now couldn't have come at a better time if you are an optimistic person. 

Amare will be out for two to four weeks, and depending on how the Knicks play without him, he can rest the whole four weeks and be back in time for game one of the playoffs. This means a healthy big man, which could be key for a playoff run for New York.

For now, Spike Lee and Knicks faithful are going to have to hold their breath and see how this one plays out.