Mike Woodson doesn't expect Jeremy Lin to be ready for Game Five.

Even though the Knicks didn't practice today, Mike Woodson spoke to reporters on a conference call and gave the world some updates on Jeremy Lin's availability for Game Five of New York's NBA basketball sports championship playoff series. While we await word from the doctors on Baron Davis's health (he won't be back in this series. There's no way.), here's what Woodson had to say:

1. Mike Bibby will start on Wednesday.

2. Woodson called Lin "not in great shape" for a series that requires folks to be in the greatest of shapes. He's preparing as if Lin won't be available. Those are reassuring words. The idea of Lin returning only to hurt himself again is sickening, and the idea of relying on a dude who's playing tentatively isn't especially appealing either. If Lin's really really really ready, then it makes sense for him to go, but it's been comforting to hear both Lin and Woodson say that they won't move ahead unless all uncertainty has been eliminated.

3. Woodson entertained the idea of giving Toney Douglas some minutes, but perhaps only in the event that the Heat play Norris Cole (which they probably won't). He'll probably let J.R. Smith or Carmelo Anthony (or Landry Fields, no?) spin at the one before he turns to Toney. Poor Toney. What's weird is that Woodson apparently considered starting Douglas last night. They were desperate times, I suppose?

So, shit's still quite up in the air, but that's where things stand today. Again, we have until Wednesday for Lin's condition to improve and plans to change, but Linsanity 2: Return 2 Linsanity doesn't appear to be in the offing for the next chapter of the MILPCAT.