Jeremy Lin, the Knicks point guard who quickly skyrocketed to fame this season, probably won’t return to the court for Game 5 against the Heat. According to The Associated Press, Lin hasn’t fully recovered from knee surgery, a procedure which was performed in order to repair a torn cartilage. Although he’s been hitting the court recently to get back in shape, interim head coach Mike Woodson doesn’t seem to think he’ll be ready anytime soon.

“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 explained to the AP. “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.”

Woodson went on to add that he wants to see Lin make it through a full practice before putting him back in the game, especially during playoffs. However, considering the Knicks have already lost two point guards, Lin’s return would be welcomed with open arms.

“When you’re dealing with professional athletes, I would never put a player in that position and tell him that I think he should play,” Woodson said. “Especially after you’ve had an injury, because it’s just not my place to do that.”

What do you think? Can the Knicks squash the Heat without Lin? Were they destined to lose with or without him? Put your thoughts on the subject in the comments section. Twitter reactions, meanwhile, are a mixed bag. Some seem to think he should suck it up and play, while others are a bit more sympathetic to his situation.