Image Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Knicks Considering Major Change in Lineup For ECF Game 3 Against Pacers

The Knicks will visit Indiana for Game 3 on Sunday, May 25.

Image Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks are reportedly on the verge of considering a major change in the lineup for their Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 clash against the Indiana Pacers. Notably, after losing home-court advantage in the first two games and dropping to 0-2 in the series, the Knicks are set to visit Indianapolis for the next two fixtures. Since the Pacers are just two wins away from making it to the NBA Finals, New York doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned to clinch victory on the road.

Ahead of the game on Sunday, Ian Begley of SNY reported that they are seriously considering a lineup change. According to Begley, the Knicks will move Mitchell Robinson to the starting lineup and get Josh Hart off the bench. He tweeted, “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 added, “My man @CPTheFanchise said earlier that NYK was strongly considering a change ahead of G3. 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.”

Notably, Hart has played 77 regular season games this year, where he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per contest. Robinson, on the other hand, has an average of 5.1 points and 5.9 rebounds during the regular season. In the previous game, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau benched Karl-Anthony Towns in the fourth quarter for Robinson. However, Robinson ended up with just points and nine rebounds, and the Knicks ended up recording the loss.

Also Read: What’s the Largest Margin of Victory in NBA Playoffs History?

Former NBA Champion Claims Tom Thibodeau’s Decision Will Cost Him Knicks’ Job

Former NBA Champion and New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins has claimed that Tom Thibodeau’s decision of benching Karl-Anthony Towns in the fourth quarter of Game 2 would cost him his job. Thibodeau benched KAT in the previous game for Mitchell Robinson. However, his decision backfired as not only did Robinson not perform well but the Knicks also ended up losing the game.

If or when the Pacers win this series… Thibs decision to bench Towns in the 4th is going to get him fired. I get it he wanted to get some defensive stops but it didn’t work.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 24, 2025

Following the defeat, Thibodeau received flak from many, including ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith. Now, Perkins has chimed in and made a bold claim, suggesting that if the Pacers win the series, Thibodeau might lose his job of coaching in New York.

Also Read: Rich Paul Responds to David Falk’s LeBron Criticism, Reigniting GOAT Debate

Indiana Pacers

New York Knicks

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.