Who should the Knicks want to face in the first round? Breaking down the five potential matchups

Is this the new Knicks norm?

In the vast majority of my seasons following this team, the end of March was a time for perusing the NCAA games for the next lottery pick or scanning the free-agent markets for new players and coaches.

But now I’m on the cusp of covering a third playoff appearance in four years under Tom Thibodeau, and this one carries the most promise for something special.

Of course, expectations arrive with pressure and a greater threat of disappointment.