Bulls' Joakim Noah Doubtful For Regular-Season Finale
(CBS) Bulls big man Joakim Noah is doubtful to play in Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Hawks as he deals with left hamstring tendinitis, the team announced.
If Noah can't go, it will mark the second consecutive game he's missed because of that injury. He was a late scratch before Chicago's win at Brooklyn on Monday. After the game, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said the team was erring on the side of caution with Noah as the playoffs are set to begin Saturday.
Noah has also been rested on a few occasions this season with what the team termed general body soreness. He's also dealt with lingering right knee issues following offseason surgery.
Noah's been on a minutes limit of 32 minutes for most of the season, but he confirmed Saturday that will be lifted for the postseason -- though Thibodeau added that he believes Noah is most effective around 32 to 34 minutes.
"Coach will be able to do whatever he wants," Noah said.
In addition to Noah's uncertain status, the Bulls have ruled out Kirk Hinrich, who has a hyperextended left knee. Hinrich has said he hopes to be ready for the playoff opener this weekend.
The Bulls are currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference at 49-32, but the Raptors (48-32) can jump them if they win their final two games.
