The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Thursday night as they host the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York enters Thursday’s game in a win-or-go-home situation as they trail 3-1 in the series after they were unable to tie up the series in Game 4 on Tuesday night.
Of course, the Knicks have struggled to slow down Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and the rest of the Pacers thus far in the series and they are in danger of having their season end in disappointing fashion if they are unable to make a historic comeback.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
New York has tried some changes to their lineup as head coach Tom Thibodeau has elected to start Mitchell Robinson over Josh Hart after Hart mentioned it earlier in the series.
Despite the lineup change, it has not helped out the Knicks too much in the series as they are now on the verge of being eliminated on their home court.
Ahead of Game 5 on Thursday, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson sent a clear message to the Knicks regarding their lineup change.
“A message to the New York Knicks: Go back to what got you to the Eastern Conference Finals - that’s having Josh Hart in the starting lineup,” Johnson posted on X on Wednesday night.
This is a clear message by Johnson and one that makes complete sense at Hart has played a key role in the Knicks’ success this season and deserves to start.
Of course, it was Hart’s idea to move himself to the bench in favor of Robinson but that change has not worked out well thus far for New York and a potential move back could bring some life to the Knicks when they desperately need it.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3).
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3).
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Despite this, Thibodeau has yet to announce whether he will keep the same lineup for Game 5 on Thursday night as the Knicks try to avoid being eliminated in front of their home crowd.