4 Eastern Conference Teams the New York Knicks Can Beat

The New York Knicks seemed to be the team of destiny when undrafted point guard Jeremy Lin led the team to seven straight victories in February. "Linsanity" brought worldwide media attention to the team, and everything seemed to go right for the Knicks.

However, when Carmelo Anthony returned to the team from injury, chemistry issues among teammates were exposed, and the Knicks would go on a losing streak. They managed to play well enough to contend for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, where they now trail the second-seeded Miami Heat two games to none in their best-of-seven series.

It is my hope as a hoops fan that the Knicks prevail because they really have a talented team, and I want to see what Lin can do in the playoffs. It would be a great thing to see if Lin continued his magical season in the playoffs. If they do knock off the Heat, they will have to defy some really large odds, as teams rarely come out of a 2-0 hold in a best-of-seven series.

Here are four Eastern Conference teams the Knicks can beat in the playoffs.

Miami Heat

In their three regular season meetings, the Knicks lost every time to the Heat. This does not mean they don't have what it takes, it just needs they need to approach it differently.

They may face Game 3 without Amare Stoudemire, who errantly broke his hand when he punched a glass case containing a fire extinguisher.

The Knicks will have to play like they did in February—that is, play good defense, control the pace of the game and limit production from Miami's Big Three. They need to confuse LeBron James and force him to have bad games. Also, Lin is slated to come back for Game 4, which should change things in favor of the Knicks.

Indiana Pacers

The New York Knicks match up very well with the Indiana Pacers. They went 2-1 against them this season, with their pair of victories coming up in an impressive showing in a home-and-home set against the third-seeded team in the East.

In those games, the Knicks had their way throughout, and Carmelo starred. In their lone loss against the team, the Knicks carried a big lead into the fourth quarter, which they blew.

The Knicks could make easy work of the Pacers if they meet in the playoffs.

Orlando Magic

The Knicks went 2-1 against the Magic this year. And as an added bonus, the Magic are without Dwight Howard for the postseason. This would give the Knicks a significant advantage, as the Magic would be without their star big man.

The Magic are a team that needs production from Howard to win games, and not having him on the court exposes a lot of weaknesses on their team. They don't have anyone to draw attention in the post, and their three-point game is not as effective.

Boston Celtics

The Knicks were 1-2 against the Boston Celtics this season, and in one of the games, New York had Boston in full control until a miraculous Paul Pierce three-pointer sent the game into overtime. It was memorable sequence for Jeremy Lin the fourth quarter when he made a basket, made an assist and hit a three-pointer to give the Knicks the lead.

My, how that win would have changed things. Nevertheless, the Celtics are a beatable group against the Knicks. They have great battles, and the Knicks would have the edge because they are a younger team. They have younger legs, quicker minds and would beat the Celtics in a seven-game contest to see who is the better basketball team.

Their 1-2 record against the C's this season was not indicative of who was better than who this season because of how close the games were.