Bulls' Joakim Noah Sits Out Wednesday's Practice, Is Uncertain For Friday's Game
(CBS) After being a last-minute scratch and sitting out Monday's win at Philadelphia with left knee soreness, Chicago big man Joakim Noah also sat out Wednesday's practice and remains questionable for Friday's home game against Charlotte.
The hope is for Noah to return to full activity at practice Thursday. He had surgery on that left knee in May 2014, and it hampered him for the 2014-'15 season, so the Bulls are utilizing caution.
"We'll see how he responds to tomorrow's work," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said.
Hoiberg was planning to start Noah on Monday night for the first time this season before his knee flared up. Hoiberg was going to do so to get more of a defensive presence in the starting lineup that has been featuring Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic in the frontcourt.
Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy is also continuing to progress in his rehab from a back injury, though it's too soon to put a timeline on a return date yet.
"He's getting closer to getting back out on the floor," Hoiberg said Wednesday. "He did a tempo run yesterday, all in a straight line as of right now. Hopefully in the next few days, he'll be cleared for cutting. Right now, it's about building his strength back up.
"The next step is getting back full movement, which hopefully will happen in the next week."
