Joakim Noah upgraded to questionable Friday

Like his haircut, Joakim Noah is questionable for Friday.

The Chicago Bulls center has missed the last four games due to a sprained right ankle but has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Bulls played well without the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday, but it's been a tough go without him in general. With six losses in their last nine games, the Bulls could use some momentum ahead of a daunting west coast trip that begins Tuesday.

Noah hasn't quite been himself at either end of the floor this season, and his chemistry with new frontcourt mate Pau Gasol has seemed tenuous and match-up-dependent at times. Slowed by myriad ailments so far this season, Noah's defensive impact hasn't been as pronounced as in past seasons and his offensive game - particularly his finishing - has suffered.

In 33 games, Noah is averaging 7.6 points, 9.4 rebounds 3.6 assists and 1.5 blocks, shooting a career-low 44.7 percent from the floor, and the Bulls have uncharacteristically been 4.4 points per-100 possessions better without him.

Don't let that confuse Noah's importance to the Bulls, as the team's defense has dropped off without their anchor playing at the top of his game. The Bulls have the depth to make it through the season with Noah in his current state, but they'll need him to be at his best to truly stand as title contenders come playoff time.