NY Knicks Playoff Schedule: Role Players Who Must Step Up to Pull off Upset

The New York Knicks played like an elite Eastern Conference team for stretches during the regular season, but couldn't maintain that level of play long enough to avoid the Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls in the first round. They will be massive underdogs against either title contender.

With that in mind, let's examine three role players the Knicks will need to shine if they have any chance of shocking the basketball world. The team's first-round schedule should be released on the official site either late tonight or Friday.

J.R. Smith

Signing Smith after his season in China ended was a terrific move by the Knicks. It was like making a key trade without having to give anything up. After a shaky start, he's picked things up in April, averaging 15 points and five rebounds.

He'll need to maintain that high level of play coming off the bench. The Knicks starting lineup has a tendency to endure lulls on the offensive end. It's at those points when Smith should enter the game to provide an immediate scoring boost.

Smith has always run hot and cold throughout his career. The Knicks can't afford one of his cold streaks if they have any chance of advancing to the second round.

Steve Novak

Outside shooting is vital to any upset bid. New York won't be able to survive a physical seven-game series against either the Bulls or Heat if they attempt to play those teams' style of play. The Knicks need to spread the floor and knock down shots.

Novak leads the way in that aspect. He's knocked down 47 percent of his threes and makes more than two per game on average. The former second-round pick doesn't get a lot of respect because he's a one-dimensional player, but he plays a key role.

Just like Smith, timing is key for Novak. He needs to come off the bench and make an instant impact. It's the only way the Knicks will be able to keep up.

Landry Fields

Fields was one of New York's most reliable shooters last season, but has seemingly lost his touch. His three-point and free-throw percentages plummeted 26 percent and 20 percent, respectively. That's not just a minor slump.

That said, his prior track record suggests he's a solid shooter. It would provide a massive boost to the Knicks offense if he could rediscover his stroke before the playoffs start. That would give them another weapon to keep pace.

It's going to take a perfect storm for the Knicks to emerge from the opening round victorious, even the team's fans should realize that, but an effective Fields would be a step in the right direction.