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Knicks to Make Major Decision Before Game 3 Against Pacers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 25, 2025 2:20 PM ET

The New York Knicks are in major need of a victory on Sunday night. They trail the Indiana Pacers 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

To make matters worse, the Knicks lost two straight games on their home floor in Madison Square Garden.

They were unable to defend their home court, and now they are in critical need of a win in Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the road team against the Pacers.

One could argue the Knicks are the "better" team in the series. They've got superstar Jalen Brunson leading the way with Karl-Anthony Towns -- an All-Star -- as his co-star.

They've got a well-rounded starting lineup, too.

The Pacers play well together, though, and are incredibly well-coached, as Rick Carlisle has done a phenomenal job with his squad.

Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks could use a lineup shakeup. They've got the talent needed to make it a long series against Indiana.

Ahead of Game 3, Thibodeau is reportedly ready to make a lineup decision for New York, too, as Ian Begley shared on Saturday evening.

"Hearing the Game 3 lineup change being strongly considered by the Knicks is to move Mitchell Robinson to starting lineup and have Josh Hart come off the bench," Begley shared on X.

Hearing the Game 3 lineup change being strongly considered by the Knicks is to move Mitchell Robinson to starting lineup and have Josh Hart come off the bench. My man @CPTheFanchise said earlier that NYK was strongly considering a change ahead of G3. NYK starting lineup is -50 in…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 25, 2025

Mitchell Robinson is an incredible interior defender, allowing Towns to maximize his offensive ability without the pressure of anchoring the defense.

Hart will remain impactful, playing valuable sixth man minutes, though more so in relief of Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby, as opposed to playing in a power forward role.

"NYK starting lineup is -50 in the postseason and -29 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana has a 2-0 series lead and will host the Knicks on Sunday. Based on where things stand currently, Robinson will be starting in that game," Begley added on his post.

Hart spoke about the potential change ahead of the contest.

"I can't sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and all that and then, a decision like that is made, then be mad at it and not want to sacrifice and not want to do that. That's not the kind of person that I am," Hart explained.

The Knicks wing has played in many, many roles throughout his career. He will be ready to make an impact as New York looks to take their first victory in the series.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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