The New York Knicks are entering Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers in a tough situation. New York dropped the first two games of the series at home, and now faces the reality of being forced to go on the road for Games 3 and 4.
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New York lost both games in the final minutes, potentially offering them some hope for the next contest. But if the Knicks want to come away with a win, the team may need to make a big change.
The Knicks' starting lineup has been getting waxed by the Pacers, so a change may need to be made. Through the postseason, the Knicks' starting lineup has a net rating of -50 on the court postseason and -29 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
But, it seems that the change could be coming from New York heading into Game 3.
According to insider Ian Begley, the Knicks may be considering a big change to the starting lineup for Game 3. New York is looking into benching guard Josh Hart and replacing him with center Mitchell Robinson.
Putting Robinson into the starting lineup could allow the Knicks more defense to slow down the explosive Pacers' offensive attack. Indiana has blitzed the Knicks at different times in this series, and New York hasn't been able to keep up with their size.
Robinson could help with that and give the Knicks someone who can match up against Pacers center Myles Turner. While Robinson isn't the strongest offensive threat on the floor, his defensive prowess more than makes up for everything.
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Sending Hart to the bench could give the Knicks' bench unit a jolt as well. Hart is a Swiss-Army knife player for New York, and this move could completely change how the Pacers would need to play them.
Game 3 is essentially a must-win for the Knicks. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 series hole, so New York may come out with a sense of desperation.
This Knicks team has been tested before, but the Pacers seem to be a different matchup entirely. The crucial Game 3 is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2025 at 12:03 PM.