The Chicago Bulls announced that star center Joakim Noah is listed as doubtful for game one with a recurring foot injury, and Noah says he has a tear in that foot.
“I’ve got a tear in my foot,” Noah told reporters in Chicago. “I’m upset at myself because I let this linger for a long time and I have nobody to blame but myself. … I just wish that I was a little bit smarter. I played games in the regular season that I probably shouldn’t have played.”
Along with his solid offensive production, Noah is the team’s defensive fulcrum; he’s arguably the best pick-and-roll defender in the NBA and the Bulls allow just 98.4 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, a full five points fewer than with him off.
Even if Noah plays, Nazr Mohammad will start in Game 1, scheduled for 8 P.M. Saturday night.
h/t ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell.