CAN’T LOOK: Knicks interim head coach Mike Woodson reacts after a foul in the second half of the Knicks’ 100-90 to the Hawks last night. (AP)
ATLANTA — The mystery behind the severity of Jeremy Lin’s left knee increased dramatically yesterday as Knicks interim head coach Mike Woodson said he’s unsure when — and “if’’ — the point guard will return.
Lin missed his third straight game last night in a 100-90 loss to the Hawks and will be out again tonight against the Cavaliers. Lin refused — and avoided — the small group of media in the locker room before last night’s game.
A person close to Lin said he still is “a maybe” for Tuesday’s game in Indiana, and a person close to the situation said Lin feels the latest he will be back is Thursday in Orlando. But Woodson wouldn’t confirm a date and Lin hasn’t spoken to the media since last Saturday.
Woodson’s ominous remark at yesterday’s morning shootaround created a firestorm. Woodson lumped Lin with Amar’e Stoudemire in not giving an assurance Lin will return anytime soon.
Woodson last night also revealed Lin earlier this week had an MRI exam, which the club never announced. The Knicks continue calling it a “sore knee,’’ but it is believed there could be loose cartilage that could eventually need offseason surgery.
Lin probably will have to play through pain.
“He’s out,’’ Woodson said before the Knicks’ 100-90 loss to the Hawks last night. “Still day to day. Amare’s out. Had his epidural shot yesterday. He’s day to day with Lin. I have no idea when these guys are going to return, if they’re going to return.’’
The “if’’ remark raised eyebrows. But Lin said during a fan forum earlier this week he didn’t want to come back until he was “100 percent’’ so he can be right for the playoffs.
“I don’t think he bumped it,’’ Woodson said. “He tweaked it and he’s not feeling too well.’’
Stoudemire is listed as being out 2-to-4 weeks. Baron Davis (four points, four assists) made his third straight start and committed three turnovers in the first three minutes.
Lin also did not speak at the morning shootaround. Then last night, when he opened the door to the locker room and started to enter with Landry Fields, he saw a small group of writers waiting for him, Lin stopped, turned around and rushed out. He darted to a back entrance to a trainer’s room, off limits to the media.
Lin has been so accommodating during Linsanity, something likely is not kosher.
“I still think he’s day to day,’’ Woodson said. “We’re taking it a day at a time and see how he feels and we’ll go from there.’’
Lin hasn’t officially talked to the media since Saturday night when he left the game against Detroit. The defense on Lin has been so physical, it may finally have taken its toll.
“He mixes it up,’’ Woodson said. “When you’re a point guard, you’re getting touched by big guys on pick and rolls. It’s tough. He’s pretty good at getting to the bucket and finishing and taking the blow and drawing fouls. It’s a lot of wear and tear on the body.’’