Mailbag: Playoff matchups, NBA draft talk, awards season and more

Answering the biggest questions as the NBA playoffs approach.

In the latest edition of his Twitter Mailbag, Chris Mannix dives into a host of NBA topics as the postseason approaches. Among the questions answered this week:

•​ Who do the Hawks fear the most in the first round? Atlanta could still face a number of teams in its opening round series. Who represents the worst matchup?

Alternative awards: Made-up honors for the NBA's overlooked standouts

•​ Better NBA prospect: Justise Winslow or Stanley Johnson? Winslow benefitted from deep NCAA tourney run, but Johnson had been widely egarded as the top forward in the class leading up to March. 

•​ Will Billy Donovan make the jump to the NBA? The long-time Florida coach flirted with the Magic once before, could he be serious about leaping to the pros this time?

•​ Awards watch: Who will win... Mannix touches on Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player.

​GALLERY: 2014-15 New York Knicks: Season in despair

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New York Knicks: Season in Despair

Frank Franklin II/AP

Amar'e Stoudemire silently counting down the days until he never has to put on a Knicks uniform again.

Matt Slocum/AP

"Please send help."

Jonathan Bachman/AP

Knicks pride in full effect.

Elsa/Getty Images

The team appears to be selling more paper bags than jerseys.

Mary Altaffer/AP

How the Knicks look walking off the court after most games.

Frank Franklin II/AP

This is not a happy looking bunch.

David Zalubowski/AP

Yup, we can't believe how much you're losing by either.

Seth Wenig/AP

It's painful for Jeremy Lin to suit up against his old team.

Frank Franklin II/AP

Owner James Dolan horrified at the mess of a team he helped create.

Frank Franklin II/AP

Coach Fisher can't even bare to watch his own team play.

Danny Moloshok/AP

Sometimes Derek Fisher just needs a hug.

Doug McSchooler/AP

Jason Smith potentially fighting back vomit after watching an atrocious Knicks play.

James Devaney/GC Images

Tim Hardaway Jr. had to go to a New York Rangers game to remember what it was like to win.

David J. Phillip/AP

Tylenol was a regular part of coach Fisher's daily regimen.

Tim Clayton/SI

Steve Kerr can't help but laugh as he thinks about how he almost signed with the Knicks before taking the Warriors' job.

Carlos Osorio/AP

We feel your pain, Tim.

James Devaney/GC Images

You're driving Emmy Rossum crazy.

Frank Franklin II/AP

Perhaps the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the Knicks.

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Langston Galloway assuring Knicks fans that they're going to have the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

Tim Clayton/SI

"I've made a huge mistake."

Jim Mone/AP

Chin up, coach. There are only a few games left in the season.

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