Nets' Jeremy Lin: Hopeful to play Thursday vs. Suns

Coach Kenny Atkinson said he's "hopeful" that Lin (ankle) will be able to play Thursday against the Suns, Bryan Fonseca of Nets Daily reports.

Analysis:

Lin sat out Tuesday's win over the Pistons after previously injuring his right ankle in Sunday's loss to the Mavericks, but the Nets don't seem to believe he'll be sidelined for much longer. The Nets will reexamine his condition at Thursday's morning shootaround, but even if Lin receives clearance to play, he likely won't see starter-level minutes. Nonetheless, Lin's potential return would result in reduced roles for Spencer Dinwiddie, Isaiah Whitehead and Archie Goodwin.