Jan. 24--DALLAS -- Joakim Noah plans to test his right ankle tonight against the Mavericks and take on his friend and fellow Florida Gator, Chandler Parsons.
Mike Dunleavy also tested his troublesome right ankle in warm-ups but is unlikely to play.
Both were listed as questionable Friday afternoon.
Dunleavy hasn't played since New Year's Day, missing 11 games.
Noah has missed four straight games and has not put up double figures in points or rebounds since Jan. 9.
His minutes are down to 30.3 from 35.3 last season, and his stats reflect that. He is scoring 7.6 points per game, down from 12.6.
Asked if Noah might return to the team as a reserve, coach Tom Thibodeau said: "We're just trying to figure out what's best to get him going at his highest level. We'll look at everything, his minutes, what makes the most sense. We know how important Jo is to our team. We're not ruling anything out."
Thibodeau also hopes Dunleavy can return, saying: "He makes the team function well -- -- his shooting opens up the floor, his passing and quick decision-making and his team defense ... he helps you in almost every area."
The Mavericks entered 30-13, winners of three straight, and 16-4 against the East.
The last meeting between the teams was a wild one: The Mavericks won 132-129 in double overtime at the United Center on Dec. 2. Monta Ellis scored 38 points but needed 35 shots to get there. Pau Gasol scored 29 for the Bulls.
Since then, Dallas added Rajon Rondo from the Celtics, whom Thibodeau coached as an assistant.
"This team was already very, very good before they got him," Thibodeau said. "You're talking about adding an elite point guard to the mix.
"This team in particular is a perfect fit for him. They have a lot of shooting, a 4 (power forward) who is highly skilled and a number of point guards he can play with. Rondo is a fierce competitor, so he can guard multiple positions. His decision-making and vision are as good as anybody in the league."
tgreenstein@tribune.com
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
