Jeremy Lin Hopes to Return Soon, As Knicks Lack Depth in Backcourt

by Connor Rose on Sun, Apr 29, 2012 at 8:55PM

Game 1 of the playoffs didn't go very well for the New York Knicks. In addition to getting pounded 100-67 by the Miami Heat, the Knicks lost guard Iman Shumpert for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Jeremy Lin knows the Knicks will need his help if they want to give the Heat a battle during the first series, but he's still dealing with the injury that sidelined him for the end of the season.

Lin, who has been out since March 24 with a torn meniscus, is reported to be struggling with knee soreness while training to increase his strength. Although he is well ahead of schedule, he has ruled out playing in either of the next two games.

Veterans Baron Davis and Mike Bibby will be forced into extended minutes, with third-year player Toney Douglas also increasing his playing time. Davis has been battling injuries all year, and Bibby has been far from effective, as his age is catching up to him. After a solid sophomore campaign, Douglas has seen his minutes and production significantly decrease.

If the trio can't help Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, and Amar'e Stoudemire get the Knicks a win or two, the team could be looking at a 3-0 deficit by the time Lin is available. Even if Lin could play in Game 4, having him rush back may increase his chances of reinjuring his knee.

With time running out, it looks more and more like Lin will be unavailable for the Knicks in the first round, which means trouble for the depleted guard corps.