Bulls' Joakim Noah plagued by ankle, knee injuries

Joakim Noah's ankle isn't the only thing slowing him down. 

Noah's surgically-repaired left knee has also been bothering him of late, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN. 

The Chicago Bulls center, who has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets, had arthroscopic surgery on his knee during the offseason to deal with the ailment. 

"He's still working through the knee as well," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. 

Chicago, which has battled numerous injuries already this season, needs Noah to be healthy if its to get on any sort of roll. The Bulls have essentially exchanged wins and losses since going on a season-high four-game winning streak that began three contests into the year. 

Derrick Rose has battled various leg ailments and figures to be a season-long concern for the team, while Taj Gibson missed time with an ankle sprain. Offseason acquisition Pau Gasol was also sidelined for three games in November with a calf strain. 

The Bulls have managed to hang tough in the weak Eastern Conference, where they are currently the No. 5 seed, despite the adversity. Chicago takes a 12-8 record into Wednesday's contest versus the Nets.