* Tonight on NBA League Pass: Pacers vs. Knicks (7:30 ET)

As good as Domantas Sabonis was in Myles Turner’s absence, Indiana Pacers coach Nate McMillan has no problem getting back to his normal lineup and in turn his normal rotations for today’s game against the New York Knicks. He can’t help himself. Coaches at every level are notorious creatures of habit, especially in the NBA.

Getting your franchise big man back to normal after he missed seven straight games with a concussion (Turner did get back in the rotation with limited minutes in Friday’s loss to Philadelphia) is what’s most important to McMillan. And it could benefit all involved, according to Clifton Brown of the Indianapolis Star:

Turner looks ready to start. McMillan wants Turner to start. And McMillan also wants the second unit to benefit from Sabonis’ presence. Thus, the lineup change.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to our rotation tomorrow,” McMillan said after Saturday’s practice in Philadelphia, before the Pacers traveled to New York. “Myles played more minutes than we expected (Friday night). He looked okay. His wind was OK. We have to continue to work him back in shape, but I want to get him back with that first unit and get Domas back to that second unit.”

There are several potential benefits to having Sabonis re-join the second unit. It will obviously make the Pacers’ bench stronger. It could also help Sabonis avoid the foul trouble that has plagued him in several games, including Friday night when Sabonis (14 points, six rebounds) fouled out and was limited to 23 minutes.

Sabonis has drawn some tough defensive assignments as the starting center, including Friday night in Philadelphia when he was banging bodies with the Sixers’ talented young center, Joel Embiid. Having Sabonis see more time against backup centers could allow him to be more aggressive without picking up more fouls.

“Maybe that’s true, but I don’t want to jinx myself with the referees,” said Sabonis, smiling after Saturday’s practice. “I’m going to keep playing hard. But having Myles back gives us more depth, more talent.”