Joakim Noah doubtful Monday, could miss 4th consecutive game
The Chicago Bulls must be unfazed by injuries at this point, completely comfortable with playing without a key piece here or there.
It's a tough life, but the 15-8 Bulls have managed through the injuries just fine so far. They appear set to get a significant test Monday, though, taking on the 16-7 Atlanta Hawks without the services of center Joakim Noah.
Noah has been battling through ankle and knee issues and is listed as doubtful for Monday, which would mark his fourth consecutive missed game. If he can't go, Taj Gibson would continue to start in his place, leaving Nikola Mirotic to play heavy minutes off the bench.
The absence of the reigning Defensive Player of the Year obviously isn't ideal, but Noah had looked something less than himself so far this season and the time off may be beneficial in the long run. In 17 games, Noah was averaging 8.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 blocks, with the Bulls uncharacteristically playing 5.2 points per-100 possessions better with him off the floor than on it.
Gibson, meanwhile, is averaging 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in eight games as a starter and has been a major boost to the Bulls' overall performance.
Again, Noah remains very, very good. It just seems as if he may need a brief respite to return to peak form.