© Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Knicks Coach Reveals Playoff Opponent Preference
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau will closely watch tonight's game between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers.
New York Knicks fans will be eagerly watching tonight's Play-In Tournament game between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers as the winner will be their team's first opponent.
Both teams have significant playoff experience, reaching the second round of the postseason a year ago. The Heat beat the Knicks in the second round and advanced to NBA Finals, but lost to the Denver Nuggets in five games.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau knows it will be a tough challenge whether the Heat or the Sixers end up being their opponent.
"They are both great teams," Thibodeau said. "If you've gotten this far, every team poses different problems. So we have to be ready. ... You want to build that habit all year long so when you get here, you're not adjusting. This isn't the first time we've done it."
During the regular season, the Knicks won the first two meetings against the Heat, but lost their most recent matchup on Apr. 2. Meanwhile, the Knicks went 3-1 against the Sixers this year. Joel Embiid missed all but one of those games, but he scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in his lone appearance against the Knicks this year - a loss in Philly back in early January.
Regardless of which team ends up playing the Knicks, New York isn't going to have it easy, but the team appears ready either way.
The Heat and 76ers are set to tip off tonight at 7 p.m. ET inside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The game can be watched on TNT.
