Knicks News: Jeremy Lin to Return for the First Round of the Playoffs?

Things are not looking good for those who hoped that Jeremy Lin would recover quickly and return for the first round of the NBA Playoffs. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, there is practically no chance of the point guard playing any time soon.

Three and a half weeks ago, Lin was diagnosed with a lateral meniscus tear in his knee. He has missed the Knicks last 15 games.

The original diagnosis stated that Lin would miss approximately six weeks. That timetable would allow the point guard to return to the court in time for the second round of the postseason. Lin does not appear to be making a speedy recovery, and won't suit up for the Knicks in their first round matchup.

Lin jogged for the first time on Sunday since undergoing surgery, but Berman's sources say he's a minimum of three weeks away from being healthy enough to play in a game. Early optimism that Lin could return sooner than expected seems to have faded away.

The playoffs begin on Saturday, and the Knicks will most likely take on the Heat in the first round. New York is the seventh seed in the East, with two games remaining on the schedule.

The Knicks went 0-3 against Miami this season.