Bulls' Noah sits out vs. 76ers with left knee soreness

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah left Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers from the bench with left knee soreness and did not return.

Noah reportedly appeared set to be reinserted into the starting lineup in place of Nikola Mirotic, but the change was then cancelled out after the 6-foot-11 big began experiencing discomfort.

This is the same knee on which Noah had successful arthroscopic surgery nearly a year and a half ago, although it's worth noting that head coach Fred Hoiberg said after Monday's game that he doesn't believe Noah will require an MRI.

"I just had to be smart and listen to my body," Noah said after the game, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson. "But I'll be back in no time."

"You don’t plan on these things. I wasn’t expecting it. I’ve been feeling great to this point. I don’t think it’s too serious."

The Bulls went on to cruise past the Sixers, 111-88.

Through the first seven games of the 2015-16 regular season, Noah is averaging 2.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists as he transitions into a key role with the team's second unit.