Taj Gibson In, Joakim Noah Questionable For Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls almost lost another player during game five against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls have already seen Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose limp off the court during the first round of the NBA playoffs and a collective gasp sounded through the United Center on Tuesday night when Taj Gibson went down clutching his ankle. But coach Tom Thibodeau said that Taj will be suiting up for game six. Noah, on the other hand, remains a question mark.

Thib said:

“Taj is better… He’s most likely (playing). Jo is better, too, but he’ll be game-time.”

Gibson said that he’s been cleared by the doctors so now it’s just a matter of how much discomfort he can stand.

Gibson said:

“The doctor said I can’t do any harm to do it… It’s about how much pain I can take. I’m going to go out there and lay it on the line.”

Noah will be a game time decision once again for game 6. Noah, who badly sprained his ankle in game three, has already missed two games. Noah said that he’s feeling better and he hopes to be on the floor tonight.

Noah said after the Bulls beat the 76ers in game five:

“I’m feeling better… Just trying to get out there for the next game. I feel like we played really hard tonight. It was a great win. Guys are giving everything they’ve got… It’s hard (sitting out). This is what we live for is to play in games like this. So not to be out there with your teammates is hard. But we won and we live to fight another day. It’s going to be a big Game 6 and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to play.”

The Bulls play the 76ers tonight in Philadelphia. If the 76ers win they advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs. If the Bulls win, the series will head back to Chicago for game seven.