Can the Bulls Keep Winning Without Noah?

By Prescott Carlson in News on Dec 18, 2010 10:00PM

The Bulls survived their first month of the season without prized free agent Carlos Boozer, and have played well without All-Star Derrick Rose. How about a game without Joakim Noah? Bring it. That’s right, losing Noah is big but the Bulls can handle it.

Noah is averaging career highs in points (14) and rebounds (11.7), but will miss eight to ten weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right hand. But head coach Tom Thibodeau has built a strong bench that can handle the obstacles. The Bulls went 9-6 without Boozer and own a 4 ½-game lead in the Central Division; plenty of leg room. Second-year forward Taj Gibson and veteran Kurt Thomas are expected to help fill the void in Noah’s absence.

Tonight’s game vs. the LA Clippers may not be as bad for the Bulls, with or without Noah, considering the Clippers are 6-21, one of the worst records in the NBA. The Bulls are also on their way to possibly winning their eighth game in a row for the first time since a nine-game run in 2005. The Bulls also have an advantage considering Boozer has had some success against the Clippers. He had a season-high 34 points and added 12 boards in the Bulls’ 110-93 win Wednesday and averaged 22.8 points and 11.9 rebounds in his last nine games against the Clippers.

Post by Angie Wiatrowski