The Houston Rockets already have a deal in place to move Jeremy Lin, according to Howard Beck. The deal hinges upon whether the Rockets can acquire one of their two primary free agency targets: Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James. If they receive an agreement in principle to add one of those two, a deal involving Jeremy Lin is already securely in place in order to free up cap space.

With Omer Asik in the process of (apparently) being dealt to the Pelicans, there is growing speculation that Jeremy Lin will be the next player dealt by the Rockets as they attempt to make a run at LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony. However, several web sources have indicated tonight that the Rockets will only deal Lin if one of the big names agrees to terms with Houston. Therefore, if LeBron or Melo aren't going to Houston, there's a very good chance Lin will be back with the Rockets next season.

The Rockets are confident they can trade both Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin this offseason, according to sources close to Jonathan Feigen. "According to an individual familiar with the Rockets' plans," Feigen writes, "they are confident they would be able to move Lin and Asik's contracts because unlike their failed efforts to trade Asik last season, they would be looking to clear cap room, rather than bring back rotation players with similar contracts." Both Lin and Asik's contracts are expiring next season, and each are owed $8.3M. The Rockets will be targeting a top-tier free agent this summer, and moving those two contracts gives them more cap flexibility. If both Lin and Asik are traded to teams where they will be slated to start, their fantasy values will likely increase.

Jeremy Lin played 31 minutes off the bench during Game 5's win on Wednesday and scored 21 points to go along with two 3-pointers, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block. With Patrick Beverly nursing flu-like symptoms, Lin provided a spark off the bench for the Rockets and was able to erase memories of a lackluster Game 4 in which he only scored four points on 1-of-6 shooting. "I felt like I needed to be more of a spark tonight," Lin said. "I haven't done a great job of that this series." Wesley Matthews of Blazers echoed Lin's assessment and said stopping Lin will be a big focus for Game 6, "It seemed like Jeremy Lin hit big shot after big shot," Matthews said. "He was attacking the rim, hitting shots. We have to do a better job defensively on him." The Rockets head back to Portland down 3-2 for Friday's Game 6, so they'll need another big performance like this from Lin to keep their hopes alive.

Al Jefferson (foot) labored through his strained plantar fascia on Wednesday during Game 2's loss to the Heat, playing 40 minutes for 18 points, 13 boards, one assist and one turnover. It was hard to watch as he was clearly playing through pain throughout the game. Jefferson went to the to the locker room in the the first quarter to get re-taped before returning in the second quarter. He wasn't the same player and his limp got worse as the game went on. He'll have until Saturday to heal up for Game 3. The Bobcats made a game of this, but they're down 2-0.

Jeremy Lin (illness) is feeling much better on Wednesday and he's ready to play in Game 2. Lin sat out Tuesday's practice but his illness is behind him, which is good news for Houston since Pat Beverley (knee) is likely to be playing at less than 100 percent.

Jeremy Lin (illness) did not practice with the Rockets on Tuesday. Lin played 34 minutes in the Rockets' Game 1 loss to the Blazers on Sunday, scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds. The Rockets need Lin's scoring off the bench, and his ability to be the third ball-handler behind James Harden and Patrick Beverley. If the Rockets want to even the series, they will need a productive Lin in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Jeremy Lin will not play against the Pelicans on Wednesday. He'll get some rest in the finale and it will allow Isaiah Canaan another chance at minutes. Lin is healthy and should be ready to go against the Blazers in the first round.

Jeremy Lin moved into the starting lineup against the Clippers on Saturday and didn't play well, making 1-of-9 from the field for 10 points with two boards, two assists and three turnovers in 32 minutes. Pat Beverley (knee) is likely out for the season and it will be Lin at point guard. He isn't going to have a very high usage rate because James Harden is still the man, but the Rockets tempo should help offset the fact that he's not a primary option. He'll get better next time out on Tuesday vs. the Nets.

Jeremy Lin is expected to see more playing time and become the starter. Pat Beverley (knee) is out for the season and it'll be Lin running the show. Although, the offense runs through James Harden and Chandler Parsons is also adept at facilitating the offense, so Lin's ceiling isn't going to be too high. That said, the output in steals and triples make him a player who should be added in all standard leagues. Isaiah Canaan will be in the rotation now.