Chicago Bulls starting center Joakim Noah is suited up and will try to play tonight in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets, according to Chicago Tribune journalist K.C. Johnson. Noah is battling plantar fasciitis in his left foot and has expressed displeasure in himself for playing through pain when he needed rest.
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau told Tim Bontemps of the New York Post that he’ll evaluate Noah’s pregame warmup before deciding his status, and that depending on how he looks he may start.
Noah, who was born in New York City, averaged a double-double this year and the Bulls were five points better per 100 possessions defensively with him on the court, but he’ll be limited by the injury. If Noah is unable to play or start, Nazr Mohammed will still start in his place. Noah played just 14 minutes in each of his last two games, scoring a combined six points and grabbing a combined six rebounds in the time.
Star point guard Derrick Rose, who’s status is uncertain for the playoffs, is out for Game 1 and Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has said it’s unlikely he’ll play in the playoffs. The Nets have no major injuries.
