New York Knicks Celtics or 76ers? Breaking down who Knicks should want next in playoffs By Jared Schwartz Published May 1, 2026, 6:47 p.m. ET Jalen Brunson walks off the court after the Knicks defeated the Hawks on April 30. Charles Wenzelberg It’s a development most didn’t see coming.
Entering the postseason, it seemed a lock that the Knicks would face the Celtics in the second round as long as they got through the Hawks. But now, the Celtics and 76ers are set for a Game 7 — Saturday in Boston — to determine the Knicks’ next opponent.
So, who would the Knicks rather face? Let’s break it down:
Joe Mazzulla and Nick Nurse have both won championships. But, even if he’s come under criticism this series, Mazzulla is a bona fide elite coach who is likely to win this year’s Coach of the Year award.
