Jan. 10--The Bulls are scheduled to practice Sunday and all eyes will be on Joakim Noah. The veteran big man is expected to be a full participant and if he makes it through without aggravating his sprained left shoulder, Noah could return to the Bulls lineup when they face the Wizards on Monday night at the United Center.
"(Noah) is doing some activity (Saturday)," coach Fred Hoiberg said before the Bulls' 120-105 loss to the Hawks on Saturday at Philips Arena. "We'll get him doing some live stuff (Sunday) and hopefully he'll get through a full practice. The biggest thing for him right now is just getting through a live practice. Hopefully, we'll get him back Monday."
The Bulls dropped to 7-2 during Noah's absence. He was injured Dec. 21 in a game against the Nets. Hoiberg said he has been pleased with the team's performance without Noah.
"They've done a good job," Hoiberg said. "Jo was such a key component in that second group, especially what we were doing offensively. He's kind of the catalyst getting those guys moving. He's so good at dribble handoffs, back cuts and getting everybody involved.
"Bobby (Portis) has obviously gotten a great opportunity (and) he will remain in the lineup when Jo comes back. It's just going to be juggling how we disperse the minutes and kind of go from there."
Guard Derrick Rose said it has been a team effort in maintaining a high level of play with Noah sidelined.
"It's always devastating when you lose a player like Jo, but we're all professionals and we all believe in each other," Rose said.
Missing Mike: Mike Dunleavy is not close to returning from the back surgery he underwent just before the season.
"Hopefully we'll get him back on the court in the next 10 days or so doing some basketball activities ... and hopefully he'll respond well," Hoiberg said. "He's probably still a good month from being ready to play. You don't want to rush it. It may have happened .. when he had the setback, so it's making sure he's 100 percent."
Marathon men: The Bulls' only stretch of four games in five nights begins Monday. Hoiberg doesn't plan to alter much despite the heavy workload.
"You have to have the same plan," he said. "You have to try to put something together to give your team the best opportunity to compete and have a chance to win. As far as preparation is concerned, we typically don't do a lot after back-to-backs so ... the only difference is just monitoring the minutes and making sure guys are ready to go."
