NBA

Struggling Lin says it was ‘God’s plan’ to head for Houston

HOUSTON — Jeremy Lin says he has no regrets about the Knicks’ decision not to match his $25.1 million offer sheet in July, indicating it was “God’s plan’’ for him to be Houston-bound.

“The biggest thing is I enjoyed playing for the fans,’’ the struggling Lin said after yesterday’s practice as he prepared to face the Knicks for the first time tonight at Toyota Center. “I had a lot of peace about it right when it happened. I know God has a perfect plan. And he’s shown that in my life. It didn’t shake out the way everybody thought it would, but I’m still very at peace with how everything happened. I’m in a great situation right now.’’

The Rockets are 5-7. The Knicks are 8-2. Lin got benched Wednesday night for ex-Knick Toney Douglas. Clearly, Lin can use this night as a springboard, if he beats the Knicks.

“I have enough motivation already to try to get out of the little slump that I’m in,” said Lin, who’s averaging just seven points in his last five games. “I just got to keep playing and get through this tough stretch. We’re trying to establish an identity on offense. ‘’

Though he tore his meniscus before he could get a lot of time in guiding both Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, Lin feels the tandem will eventually thrive.

Stoudemire is out until at least mid-December.

“I honestly think it can work because they’re so talented,’’ Lin said. “It’s also their approach to the game. They’re both ready to buy in and do whatever it takes and throw all that other stuff out the window. You got to give them some time.’’

Lin needs some time, too, but he’s fine with the critcism.

“I’m fine with whatever anybody says, it’s all fair game,’’ Lin said.

Anthony was asked about his “ridiculous contract’’ remark after the Rockets revised their offer sheet and giving Lin $15M in the third and final year of his contract. Because of the new luxury tax escalator, the Knicks would have been paying off $45M that season on Lin, combining tax with salary.

“It was taken out of context,’’ Melo said. “When I said ridiculous, it was the way they set the contract up, set the money up and put us in a messed-up situation of trying to match it. They did their job in free agency. We did our job. Houston is Houston. New York is New York.’’

* Douglas, who played 175 games as a Knick or 140 more than Lin, was part of the Marcus Camby sign-and-trade. Camby makes his return to Houston tonight. He played 19 games for the Rockets last season after Portland traded him midseason for Jonny Flynn and Hasheem Thabeet. Last night, Camby hosted the entire team at his home for Thanksgiving dinner.