The Chicago Bulls are set to open their first round NBA playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, and head coach Tom Thibodeau recently noted that All-Star center Joakim Noah's status is "day-to-day" due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot and that it's "possible" Noah could miss games against the Nets.
Joakim Noah injury: Bulls center’s status ‘uncertain’ vs. Nets
Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau recently admitted that it’s “possible” Joakim Noah could miss games during the opening round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets. Here’s what he said, and what it might mean.
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Thibodeau and the Bulls are notorious for providing opaque injury updates, but in the wake of Noah’s poor showing in the regular season finale he had this to say to ESPN Chicago 1000’s “Waddle & Silvy Show” when asked if Noah may not play against the Nets: “It’s possible, yeah; he’s still day to day. If he has soreness, we’re going to take it as it comes.” The time line for his recovery is unclear (via ESPN):
“I don’t know and that’s the unfortunate part,” Thibodeau said. “All I know is that we’re better with him on the floor. I prefer for him to be out there extended minutes but whatever he can give us we would like him to do it. But if he can’t go he can’t go and we have to go to the next guy.”
The Bulls are dangerously thin at center, and any missed time for Noah would mean more minutes for Nazr Mohammed, who has averaged 2.6 points on 36.7 percent shooting this year in limited action.
Noah spoke with the media about his injury after the team’s final regular season game on Wednesday, and here’s what he said:
“It’s a tough situation. It sucks to be not at 100 percent but I’m going to give everything I got every night for the team and it’s what it’s all about.”
...
“I just got to take it slow and right now there is no time to take it slow,” Noah said. “But these three days will be crucial to get as much treatment as possible and get ready for a tough series.”
Noah has been the defensive anchor for Chicago this season, and he is considered a candidate to win the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. If he misses any time, it could drastically alter the dynamics of Chicago’s series against the Nets. For more on Noah’s injury, be sure to check out Blog-a-Bull.
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