National Basketball Association

Knicks 'not counting on' Lin to play

Published May. 7, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Knicks coach Mike Woodson attempted to take pressure off point guard Jeremy Lin Monday, saying he was "not counting on him to play" in Game 5 against Miami.

Lin's availability for Wednesday night became even more crucial because starting point guard Baron Davis suffered a series-ending knee injury in Game 4's 89-87 win at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks don't have an official practice Monday, but Woodson said Lin will have a three-on-three scrimmage this afternoon and again Tuesday before the team flies to Miami trailing 3-1 in the series.

Woodson said he plans to start veteran Mike Bibby at point guard. Bibby, who played under Woodson in Atlanta, was solid Sunday after Davis went down.

Woodson sounded apprehensive because Lin has not played since March 24 and had surgery on his torn meniscus five weeks ago.

"It's going to be the doctors and Jeremy who makes that decision, it won't be my decision," Woodson said. "I'm going in as if he's not going to play. That's how I'm preparing."

Woodson said he will have to give some minutes to Toney Douglas, who has been out of the rotation in the playoffs and in the season's stretch run.

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