Jeremy Lin injury update: Timetable for Brooklyn Nets guard's return

Jeremy Lin, the Brooklyn Nets point guard, is still nursing a hamstring injury and is unable to provide a timetable for his return, per fresh reports.

Lin, who signed a three-year, US$38 million (AU$51 million) contract with Brooklyn during the summer, has appeared in only 12 of the Nets' 33 games this season due to a pair of hamstring injuries. After the initial injury led him to miss a total of 19 games, the most recent injury suffered on Dec. 26 has forced him out of Brooklyn's last three defeats to the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.

During his brief return, Lin was slowly regaining his rhythm as was exhibited during his near triple-double performance against the Golden State Warriors followed by a 17-point effort against former team Charlotte Hornets.

During the 120-118 win over Charlotte, Lin landed awkwardly and limped to the free throw line after getting fouled on a drive to the hoop early in the second half. Even though Lin managed to make the foul shots, he struggled to run back the court before gingerly walking towards to bench while grimacing in pain.

Jeremy Lin stays positive despite injuries

Despite the series of unfortunate injuries, the seventh-year guard is maintaining a positive attitude. "It's been difficult. The night that I got hurt (against Charlotte) I didn't feel like talking or was just not in a place where I had anything to say to really anybody," said Lin, who is averaging 13.9 points and 5.8 assists this season.

According to Mike Scotto of Basketball Insiders, Lin said there was no timetable for his return ahead of Brooklyn's trip to Indiana to face the Pacers on Thursday.

"I think the whole process (of coming to Brooklyn) has been not what I anticipated in terms of getting the opportunity to be on this team, but I think that's life. I think it's more how you respond from it," said Lin when asked if the pair of injuries had derailed his confidence.

Jeremy Lin is pivotal to the Nets' success. In his absence, Kenny Atkinson's team has maintained an 8-25 record. Though Lin's presence has led to only three wins and nine losses, the team's offensive rating receives a significant boost and so does the pace and points per 100 possessions.

To his credit, rookie Isaiah Whitehead, a native of Brooklyn, has done a fair job as the substitute starting point guard, averaging 6.9 points and 2.3 assists from 22.9 minutes per game. However, coach Atkinson has reiterated several times that the team loses its identity without Lin as the starting point guard.

Jeremy Lin has played for four different teams over the last four seasons but analysts expect the Asian-American guard to make Brooklyn his long-term home, especially due to Atkinson's presence.