Joakim Noah 'excited' to return from 4-game absence Thursday

The oft-banged up Chicago Bulls are 15-9. The idea of a Bulls roster mostly at full health is terrifying.

The Bulls could move a step closer to that reality Thursday when they take on the New York Knicks, as center Joakim Noah is expected to return from a four-game absence. Noah has been dealing with knee and ankle issues, but he practiced in full Wednesday and head coach Tom Thibodeau said it was likely Noah would play.

"My knee feels good," Noah said. "This is more of my ankle. I think it was good just to get some lifts and just take care of my body during this time, let it heal, and I feel pretty good and I'm excited to be able to play (Thursday)."

Sorry, Knicks.

In 17 games, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 8.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 blocks, numbers that are below his usual level of production but still appreciable. Noah's seen his minutes load decreased by the Bulls' improved frontcourt depth, something that's afforded the team the opportunity to bring him back slowly from his current issues.

That's not to understate Noah's value, even if the team has uncharacteristically been 4.1 points per-100 possessions better without him so far this season. He's the linchpin of the defense, the team's best rim protector and one of their most vocal leaders. His playmaking from the pivot is also instrumental to the team's offense, even if his impact doesn't show up in the scoring column.

Noah's return would mean that only Doug McDermott remains sidelined, a minor miracle considering only three everyday rotation players have appeared in every game so far.