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New York Knicks: Five starting lineups to use after blowout loss to Heat

By Rob Wolkenbrod

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks celebrate against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks celebrate against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks in action against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Hawks 126-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

If the New York Knicks make changes to the starting lineup, what are some potential combinations?

Before Wednesday’s game against the Miami Heat, New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale teased changes to the starting lineup. These would not happen until the sixth game of the season, so it left everyone to make an impression before a potentially arrived.

Well, after a 110-87 blowout loss, it didn’t secure a spot for anyone. It featured defensive lapses and shooting struggles, the latter of which has plagued the Knicks early in 2018-19.

At 1-4 and with a four-game losing streak, are changes officially on the way? If so, there are lineup combinations for head coach David Fizdale to work with.

5. Frank Ntilikina-Tim Hardaway Jr.-Kevin Knox-Lance Thomas-Enes Kanter

The first lineup combination removes Trey Burke and inserts Kevin Knox into the equation. The issue is Knox’s health, as he’s out with a sprained left ankle for the next 2-to-4 weeks, so the New York Knicks can’t rely on him in the interim.

If changes are necessary when this timetable expires, though, look for Knox to join the lineup to provide the Knicks a bigger group.

The Kentucky product brings his 6-foot-9 frame to the lineup as the perceived small forward, next to a defensive talent in Lance Thomas and Enes Kanter‘s work at center. These players will sit around the paint, so Knox can stretch the floor with Tim Hardaway Jr.

This lineup moves Frank Ntilikina back to point guard. That doesn’t prevent Fizdale from utilizing him in other roles, but a spot in the primary ball-handling role can become the latest part of this developmental experiment.

Hardaway still offers the only consistent perimeter presence, as Ntilikina is still raw from behind the arc and Knox showed some inconsistency before the injury, which is normal for a rookie.

As noted, if Knox were healthy, this lineup would be a consideration. Maybe down the line if Fizdale wants to make another change.

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