Jan. 16--BOSTON -- Joakim Noah will undergo an MRI exam on his sprained right ankle on Saturday and will miss this weekend's back-to-back series against the Celtics and Hawks.
Noah suffered the injury on the final play of the first half in Wednesday's loss to the Wizards and skipped the second half. He has rolled the same ankle three times now this season.
"I've had worse ankle injuries," Noah said. "It is what it is. I sprained my ankle. I'll be out for a little bit. Put my work in and get back to the court as soon as I can. I hope it's a short absence."
Noah's spirits were up as he walked around TD Garden in a sweater, which he playfully noted was cashmere. He then answered a query about how he felt with, "Feeling good. How you feeling?"
The Bulls are looking to get back on track Friday night against the Celtics after losing four of five.
"We haven't played well defensively or offensively in the last two weeks," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "We know we're capable of better."
Taj Gibson worked with the starting unit during Friday's morning shootaround. Nikola Mirotic's playing time also will increase with Noah out.
"Taj is more than capable," Thibodeau said. "He's probably been our most consistent player with Pau (Gasol). Those guys have to do well. Niko has to step in there and get the job done. We need everyone."
The Bulls also will be without Doug McDermott and Mike Dunleavy, the latter of which will miss his eighth straight game with his jammed right ankle.
