When the season began, the goal was simple: Get into the play-in tournament. In the loaded Eastern Conference, that would be a step in the right direction.

That should shift now. It’s time to think bigger. The Knicks absolutely can reach the main postseason draw without having to play themselves in.

The sixth spot has to be the goal.

The conference isn’t as good as it was expected to be, at least after the top five of the Celtics, Bucks, Nets, Cavaliers and 76ers. The Bulls and Hawks — currently clinging to play-in position — have been disappointments, a combined six games under .500. The same can be said about the Raptors, a dismal 16-22, having dropped 10 of their last 13 games. Beyond them is a bottom rung of rebuilding teams (Magic, Pistons) and a Hornets club ruined by injuries and the legal troubles of Miles Bridges. There have been rumors that the Bulls and Raptors may end up selling off key players.