Jan. 11--Joakim Noah will return Monday night against the Wizards after missing the previous nine games with a left shoulder injury.
Coach Fred Hoiberg said Noah would not be on a minutes restriction but that he would be monitored closely. Noah will come off the bench in a reserve unit that also will feature rookie Bobby Portis.
The Bulls begin their only stretch of four games in five nights this season on Monday. Noah suffered a partial tear in his shoulder, which popped out of joint briefly during the Dec. 21 home loss to the Nets.