We still haven't seen the Knicks' optimal lineup

The New York Knicks are currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Tom Thibodeau's team boasts a 36-18 record and sits eight games behind the pace-setting Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Interestingly, the defensive grit we usually see from a Thibodeau-coached team has been missing. The Knicks are 18th in the NBA in defensive rating, allowing 113.9 points per 100 possessions. When Mitchell Robinson returns from injury, the hope is that he can help plug some of those defensive gaps. 

Robinson has yet to play this season. However, once he's in full health, it's becoming widely expected that he will join Karl-Anthony Towns in a double-big lineup. Towns recently hinted at that lineup change during a Feb. 7 news conference. 

“Tall lineup,” Towns said. “It’s gonna be exciting to explore that lineup. I will probably have some familiarity from when I was with Rudy (Gobert), so it will probably be something that I tap into.”

The Knicks need to do something. For all of their offensive strengths — they're second in the league for offensive rating — the lack of parity in their on-court production doesn't bode well for a potentially deep postseason run. 

There is no set timeframe for Robinson's return to the rotation. During a Feb. 19 news conference, Thibodeau admitted that the rim-running big man was on the right track.

"He looks good," Thibodeau said. "He's still gotta get his timing. But, overall, he moved pretty well." 

The pairing of Towns and Robinson makes sense. Towns was highly successful when partnered by Rudy Gobert during his latter years with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Robinson can fulfill a similar role, albeit in a more athletic way. 

Until Robinson is back in the rotation, the Knicks are essentially playing short-handed. His rim protection and shot deterrent make him arguably their biggest defensive swing factor. New York needs Robinson back soon to ensure he's physically ready for the playoffs. 

Knicks fans should be excited for Robinson's return, if only for the balance he will provide between the team's offensive and defensive production. Maybe then, the Knicks will look like the championship contender many expected them to be when coming into the season.