Deng's status up in the air
Luol Deng did not participate in any of Friday's practice but shot baskets for about a half-hour at the Berto Center.
The Bulls forward skipped the past two games, both blowout losses, with a sore back. His status for today's matinee in New York is undetermined.
"I have no idea," he said. "I think I'll see how I feel. Definitely my back is a lot better. Just in Denver and L.A., I couldn't do much at all."
Deng said an MRI exam showed no structural damage and he was told the injury is a muscle strain. He's been getting a variety of treatment this week.
"When I did the non-contact stuff (Friday), I didn't feel anything," he said. "It was kind of precaution not to do any contact or anything.
"If I feel like I can go and do something out there, I'll go. There's no way there's going to be no pain. I think there's going to be tightness."
Thomas sorry for losses: Tyrus Thomas had little to say about coach Scott Skiles' criticism for not running the floor hard and subsequent apology a day later.
"I'm not going to comment on it," Thomas said Friday. "We're in this together, so there's no need to go back and forth with each other about anything right now."
Skiles is planning to use a taller lineup today against the Knicks, which probably means either Thomas or Joe Smith will start at power forward.
"I'm ready to win, point blank -- starting, coming off the bench, not playing," Thomas said. "Right now just to walk out of an opponent's gym with a victory would mean more to me than starting."
Distractions for two: Ben Gordon was asked again Friday if the lack of contract extensions and Kobe Bryant trade rumors helped explain the Bulls' 2-8 start.
"Last time I checked, it was only me and Luol (Deng) that were up for contracts," Gordon said. "The whole team shouldn't be bothered by it, even if that was the case. I can assure you that's not something hurting the team in any way."
Bull horns: Shooting guard Thomas Gardner missed Friday's practice with a rib injury, but coach Scott Skiles didn't believe it will prevent Gardner from playing today in New York. The 6-foot-5 rookie scored 14 points at Denver on Tuesday. … Skiles plans to start Luol Deng today if he's able to play. Otherwise, Andres Nocioni may slide over to small forward.