Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau says Joakim Noah “most likely out” for Game 5 – NBA Update
In recent comments, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has ruled centre, Joakim Noah "most likely out" for their Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference first round series scheduled for Tuesday night
at the United Center.
Even though Noah has only been able to put in a minor workout in practice on Monday, Thibs called Noah’s participation a game time decision;
"He's a little better," Thibodeau said. "He'll be a game-time [decision], most likely out.”
The injury was sustained in the Game 3 loss at the Wells Fargo Center after Noah stepped on the foot of the Philadelphia 76ers player Andre Iguodala in the third quarter. He was taken out of the game immediately by Thibodeau.
Even though Noah was able to return to action in the fourth quarter and was able to knock down an elbow jumper but his movement coming up and down the court did not seem fine at all. Thibs finally decided to take Noah out of the
game to undergo treatment on his ankle. The first X-rays came out negative however Noah had to use crutches to leave the arena and was flown out of Pennsylvania in an air cast.
There has been no comment by the player himself on the matter since the injury. He was seen watching from the sidelines in the Game 4 loss while wearing a walking boot.
"He's doing some walking around now," Thibodeau said. "He's better."
With the injury to Noah, the Bulls have lost their second starter in the first round of playoffs, the first one being Derrick Rose, who suffered a torn ACL deep into game 1. Rose, who is expected to undergo a surgery soon, has
still been there on the bench to support his team mate during these tough times.
"They're still working through things," Thibodeau said, when asked about whether a date for surgery has been set, "He's coming along well. He's doing a lot of rehab and feels pretty good so that's encouraging."
As the current situation stands Bulls are facing a 3-1 deficit and with the current crisis, appear to be on the way to elimination from the playoffs.
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