Jeremy Lin May Play In Game 5, But Coach Woodson Isn’t Counting On It

The New York Knicks won their first playoff game in 11 years last weekend thanks to an outstanding performance from Carmelo Anthony. Anthony will have to have another 40 + point night to keep the Knicks playoff hopes alive when the team takes on the Heat on Wednesday night as both Baron Davis and Jeremy Lin are expected to be sitting on the bench.

Lin, who has been sitting out with a knee injury for the last few months, is getting closer to playing condition but Knicks coach Mike Woodson isn’t expecting the young sensation to return for game five.

Woodson said:

“I’m going at this as if he’s not going to play. That’s how it’s been here for the last month, month and a half, and that’s how I’m preparing.”

Woodson said that even if Lin is cleared to play by doctors he might not be the best option for the Knicks.

Woodson said:

“I’ve watched him shoot and run up and down. He’s not in great shape and you know as well as I know that playoff basketball, you’ve got to be at an all-time high, and he hasn’t played in a while,” Woodson said. “So I don’t know if that’s going to be a determining factor with the doctors, and the fact that he hasn’t played. I can say, yes, he looks good, but again, does he feel good? Do the doctors think it’s enough time based on the injury that he’s had to get him out on the floor? I can’t make that decision.”

ABC reports that Lin has been participating in 3-on-3 workouts and will practice with the team today. Woodson doesn’t expect Lin to be ready for game five but the Harvard point guard would definitely be a nice addition for New York. The team is already down Baron Davis and Iman Shupert and could use a fresh pair of legs to relieve 33-year-old Mike Bibby.

With or without Lin, the Knicks are in a must win situation against the Miami Heat in Miami on Wednesday night.