Bulls' Noah returning from illness Friday vs. 76ers

Joakim Noah is feeling better.

After missing two games earlier in the week due to an illness, the Chicago Bulls' center will suit up and start Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Taj Gibson started both games that Noah missed and will slide back into his customary sixth-man role. Noah's return brings the Bulls' incredibly deep frontcourt back into balance, with Pau Gasol and Noah forming a talented starting set and Nikola Mirotic and Gibson providing the league's best backup duo.

Noah was averaging 6.3 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and 2.7 blocks in 29.7 minutes over three games before the illness. The added depth in the frontcourt should afford Noah extra rest this season after averaging 35.9 minutes over the past two years.

Given the talent gap between the two teams Friday, and the absence of 76ers center Nerlens Noel, it would seem Noah's in a good spot to ease his way back into action.