What It Means:

Lin is expected to miss Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and he's unlikely to suit up for Sunday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, but Wednesday's date with the Boston Celtics seems like a sound bet for a return. Lin has been able to get in some limited work at practice and is traveling with the team, so he's on track to get back into action soon for the Nets. Sean Kilpatrick will be forced back to the bench, while Isaiah Whitehead and/or Yogi Ferrell could be phased of the rotation.

Through five games this season, Lin is averaging 15.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 3-pointers per game on 44.8 percent shooting from the field. His 0.2 nERD ranks third on the Nets.