The Knicks have struggled with their starting lineup, which had a net rating of -1.4 during the final months of the regular season, yet they finished with 51 wins. In the playoffs, the starters have been outscored by a total of 52 points in two series, and against the Pacers, they faced further issues, losing the first two games by a combined eight points, prompting questions on potential lineup changes. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s reluctance to adjust could lead to increased criticism if the same starting five continues to falter in Game 3, despite positive contributions from bench players like Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson.
