New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is "highly unlikely" to play in Game 5 of the team's first-round series against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, a source with knowledge of Lin's injury told ESPNNewYork.com on Monday night.
As the Knicks face a 3-1 series deficit and possible elimination in Game 5, Lin was expected to scrimmage Monday and Tuesday before the Knicks leave for Miami with the hopes of suiting up in Game 5.
But a source said that, as of Monday evening, the pain in Lin's surgically-repaired left knee appeared likely to keep him from playing in Game 5.
"Wednesday is probably too soon," said the source, who added that the Knicks haven't completely ruled Lin out yet, in hopes that he can recover in time to play.
Interim coach Mike Woodson said on Monday that team doctors will make the ultimate decision on Lin's availability.
Lin's return is a pressing issue for the Knicks. They lost Baron Davis to a season-ending knee injury on Sunday in the third quarter of their Game 4 win.
With Davis out, the Knicks have just two point guards on the roster -- Toney Douglas and Mike Bibby.
Woodson said on Monday that Bibby will start in Game 5.
As the Knicks face a 3-1 series deficit and possible elimination in Game 5, Lin was expected to scrimmage Monday and Tuesday before the Knicks leave for Miami with the hopes of suiting up in Game 5.
But a source said that, as of Monday evening, the pain in Lin's surgically-repaired left knee appeared likely to keep him from playing in Game 5.
"Wednesday is probably too soon," said the source, who added that the Knicks haven't completely ruled Lin out yet, in hopes that he can recover in time to play.
Interim coach Mike Woodson said on Monday that team doctors will make the ultimate decision on Lin's availability.
Lin's return is a pressing issue for the Knicks. They lost Baron Davis to a season-ending knee injury on Sunday in the third quarter of their Game 4 win.
With Davis out, the Knicks have just two point guards on the roster -- Toney Douglas and Mike Bibby.
Woodson said on Monday that Bibby will start in Game 5.