Noah returns for Bulls vs. Hornets, will come off bench

Joakim Noah will return to the Chicago Bulls' lineup Friday after missing the team's last game due to knee soreness.

Noah, who will come off the bench against the Charlotte Hornets, was reportedly set to return to the starting lineup Monday. However, he was later relegated to the bench, and never entered Chicago's win over the Philadelphia 76ers because of soreness in his left knee.

Noah underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee last year.

The 30-year-old center is averaging 2.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists as a reserve for the 5-3 Bulls.