Jeremy Lin‘s comeback stalled, as his two game tour of former teams ended after 20 minutes in Houston. Lin didn’t play the second leg against the Lakers. It turned out the Nets didn’t need him against the slumping purple and gold, losers of eight straight. The Nets played the hustle D they’ve promised and used gritty board work — Brooklyn had a 61-49 rebounding edge — to win 107-97.
A road win, even against a bad team, is a move forward for Brooklyn. But Lin’s absence is a major concern. The hamstring injury Lin suffered in early November is one of the hardest injuries for a professional athlete to overcome. Hamstring recovery simply requires more rest than anyone making $12 million a year is likely to give it. Did the Nets rush Lin back? It didn’t seem so. But a Columbia University study reveals the re-injury risk on hamstring injuries can reach 31%. Also: compensation during hamstring recovery often results in other injuries. Lin’s missed the Lakers game with a tight back. It’s a warning: Lin’s hamstring could become chronic if not treated properly.
