Jeremy Lin starting vs. Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott was not left with many options at point guard for opening night with Ronnie Price banging up his knee in the Lakers' preseason finale and Steve Nash suddenly being ruled out for the entire season. Scott announced after practice Sunday that Jeremy Lin will be starting at point guard against his former team, the Houston Rockets, Tuesday.

Lin took the promotion in stride, stating to reporters that "the headline's Kobe vs. Dwight," and admitting that "I'm a starter, I feel like, because I'm healthy." Lin is being modest with these quotes, as his preseason averages of 12.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 50% field goal percentage were easily the best among the Lakers' point guard crop.

With Scott's decision essentially made for him due to the injuries to most of his options, this isn't all that surprising of news. Rookie Jordan Clarkson will likely see some time as the lead backup guard, with Kobe Bryant possibly sharing in the ball handling duties. For the time being however, and while the Lakers search for some point guard reinforcements, Lin will get all of the minutes he can handle.

No word yet on if all of these injuries will lead to Julius Randle getting to use his impressive handles to facilitate, but with the way that the position seems to be cursed for the Lakers recently, it wouldn't be a shock if he had the ball in his hands a bit more. Especially with the second unit.