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Chicago Bulls' starting center Joakim Noah missed the team's previous game against the Orlando Magic due to flu-like symptoms, but he arrived early at the American Airlines Arena on Friday morning to workout and informed reporters that he will play against the Miami Heat on Friday night (7 p.m. CT, ESPN). Noah is still officially listed as day-to-day, but it would be a big lift for Chicago if he returns to the lineup against LeBron James and company.
Taj Gibson and Carlos Boozer both stepped up against the Magic when Noah was unable to go, but Gibson played a game-high 45 minutes as he posted 21 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in that game, and Boozer played 40 minutes.
The Bulls and Heat have developed a rivalry over the past few seasons, and Noah has been at the center of it all. He's labelled the Heat team "Hollywood as hell" on numerous occasions, and it appears he will get the opportunity to mix it up with the defending champs on Friday night.