NBA: Bulls' Joakim Noah likely out for game 5

Deerfield - According to Chicago Bulls' coach Tom Thibodeau, center Joakim Noah will "likely" miss game 5 Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

"He's a little better," Thibodeau said after Monday's practice. "He'll be a game time decision, most likely out." If Noah, who sprained his ankle pretty severely in game 3, can't play, Thibodeau will use the same lineup he did in game 4, which means Omer Asik as center, USA Today reports. The Bulls have lost 3 in a row against the 76ers since their game 1 victory where Derrick Rose tore his ACL. According to The Chicago Sun-Times, Rose visited his teammates at their training facility Monday. His surgery has yet to be scheduled as team doctors want to eliminate any fluid and swelling and have him do some strengthening exercises before surgery. "They're still working through things," Thibodeau said., "He's coming along well. He's doing a lot of rehab and feels pretty good. That's encouraging." Luol Deng is also injured. He's had a torn ligament in his wrist since February and fell on it Sunday, USA Today reports. "He's been dealing with this all season, so it's not anything new. Some days are better than others," Thibodeau said. Many experts and analysts had originally picked the Bulls to go to the NBA Finals this year, but due to some of these injuries, which have probably deflated team confidence and spirit, their chances are beginning to look grim. They led in the 4th in game 3, and game 4 was pretty close, but they just couldn't finish. "The big thing is, we have to close out games," Thibodeau said. "We're in a position to win. We've just gotta do a little better at the end."