Noah, who was one of the leading rebounders in the league through the first half of the season and having the best year of his three-year career, played 27 minutes Saturday when the Bulls pulled off an overtime win against the Trail Blazers. It was the first time since before the All-Star break that Noah had played more than 12 minutes because of his battle with the foot disorder.
Noah was in great pain after the Portland game and the Bulls said Monday that Noah was out of action until something changes in his condition.
"It could be a week, it could be two weeks, it could be a month,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Plantar fasciitis is difficult to monitor. He could stay out a month, come back and the first day it would bother him again. He could come back in a week and might be able to manage it."
Part of the problem for the Bulls is that the team is dependent on Noah to tell them whether he can play or not, and Noah is the type to play through the pain rather than rest.
"It is difficult because Joakim wants to be out there and has great energy and sprit for the team,'' Del Negro said. "It depends on how much pain he can manage and how significant the injury is. It is a very painful injury and everybody reacts differently to the treatments."
"I have never been in a situation like this before,'' Noah said before Monday's game. "I will be back when it matters."
The Bulls have used Brad Miller as Noah's replacement in the starting lineup.
Noah is averaging 10.7 points and 11.4 rebounds, ranking fifth in the league.
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