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[Saba Sports News] The New York Knicks have officially reached the “change the plan” phase of their playoff run.
After dropping the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, it’s clear their current approach isn’t working — and now a major starting lineup shake-up seems imminent ahead of Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks are “strongly considering” inserting Mitchell Robinson into the starting five and moving Josh Hart to the bench.
Begley also pointed to some troubling numbers that may be driving the decision.
“The Knicks’ starting lineup is -50 in the postseason and -29 in the Eastern Conference Finals,” Begley posted on X. “Indiana leads the series 2-0 and will host Game 3 on Sunday. Based on where things stand, Robinson is expected to start.”
Robinson has already proven himself to be a game-changer off the bench. In Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, he played 29 minutes and gave the Knicks a jolt of defensive energy. He blocked three shots, grabbed nine rebounds — including a highly contested board in traffic — and matched Hart’s point total in fewer minutes.
The lineup change would pair Robinson with fellow 7-footer Karl-Anthony Towns, who chipped in 20 points in Game 2. Towns has expressed confidence in the Knicks’ ability to bounce back.
One thing that hasn’t changed: Jalen Brunson continues to shoulder the bulk of the scoring load, even making NBA history in Game 2. But the Knicks know he needs help.
While Robinson won’t light up the scoreboard like Brunson, his defensive presence could be exactly what New York needs heading into this must-win matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.