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Again, the key to this series between the Nets and Bulls lies less at the feet of Derrick Rose and more at the feet of Joakim Noah. Or, shall I say foot.
Noah has played just three times in the last 15 games due to Plantar Fasciitis and now it seems as if he's "doubtful" to play in Game One on Saturday night, and maybe even beyond.
Details:
Thibs sounds concerned about Noah. Says his status for whole series is day to day at this point. Obviously Noah's foot really bothering him.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2013
Noah says he had a setback. His foot is killing him. Sounds very doubtful for tomorrow and the next few days.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2013
Noah is very down. Says he is mad at himself and only has himself to blame for playing in regular season games he probably shouldn't have.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2013
Noah said he still wasn't sure if he would play tomorrow but he did acknowledge that Nazr would start. He seems to know he's out a little.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2013
Noah: "I've got a tear in my foot ... I'm upset at myself because I let this linger for a long time and I have nobody to blame but myself."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2013
More Noah: "I just wish that I was a little bit smarter. I played games in the regular season that I probably shouldn't have played."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2013
So, there you have it. Noah doesn't sound as if he's got a good feeling about playing on Saturday, maybe longer. Again, the key to this series is Noah, who is one of the best defenders in the NBA and who would make Brook Lopez work in the paint. Mohammed is a serviceable big man, but not someone who can replace the impact that Noah can have on this series.
Stay tuned for more as we get close to Game One.