### Knicks Consider Lineup Change for Crucial Game 3 Against Pacers

In a bid to turn the tide in the Eastern Conference finals, the New York Knicks are contemplating a significant shift in their starting lineup for Sunday’s Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, sources confirmed to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Coach Tom Thibodeau is weighing the option of promoting backup center Mitchell Robinson to the starting lineup in place of wing player Josh Hart. This potential lineup switch is aimed at addressing the Knicks' recent struggles, which have left them trailing 2-0 in the series.

This adjustment would be the first all season to the Knicks' established starting five when each player is available and healthy. The usual starters — Hart, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns — have logged the most minutes together in the NBA, a league-high 914 minutes. Despite this, the chemistry appears to be faltering at a critical juncture.

In the first two games of the series, the Knicks' starting lineup has been significantly outplayed by the Pacers. They were outscored by 13 points in Game 1 and by 16 in Game 2, during which the Pacers posted exceptional shooting percentages: 61% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc. The Knicks’ defensive rating with their starters in this series stands at an alarming 155.1 points allowed per 100 possessions.

Further adding to the concerns, the Knicks’ starting five holds a postseason-worst minus-50 for their plus-minus rating and was outscored by nine points from January 1st to the end of the regular season.

After the Game 2 loss, when asked about potentially altering the lineup, Thibodeau remarked, "We always look at everything."

Introducing Robinson could enhance the Knicks’ defensive mobility, especially in the paint and along the perimeter, countering the Pacers' fast pace and complex rotations, which have frequently outmatched Towns' footspeed. With Robinson on the floor, the Knicks have managed to contest 52% of the Pacers’ shot attempts, a notable improvement compared to the 42% contested when he is benched.

SNY was the first to report on this possible lineup change, a move that could be pivotal for the Knicks as they seek to level the series in Indianapolis.