Games come fast and furious for Bulls

The Bulls are sounding like they could use another all-star break.

They came back from vacation last week and won four games in five nights, but seemed to run out of gas in the second half of Monday's loss at Washington. A stretch of 12 consecutive missed shots in the third quarter was the telltale sign.

Center Joakim Noah is still slowed by a sore left foot, but he did get on the court for Tuesday's practice, which was mostly a walk-through to benefit the newest Bulls. Veteran center Brad Miller is playing more to make up for Noah's injury.

The Bulls will hit the floor for their sixth game in nine nights against Indiana on Wednesday at the United Center.

"It seems like every time you wake up there is a game," Rose said following the loss in Washington. "We just have to figure it out and stick with each other so we can win."

Coach Vinny Del Negro had a mostly positive prognosis on Noah, who played his second game Monday after missing the previous seven to rest his foot. Noah did not speak to reporters, but shared that his foot wasn't feeling good as he limped into the training room.

Sitting out more games appears to be a strong possibility. But for now, the Bulls are hoping Noah can gradually increase his playing time. He logged 12 minutes in Washington and seven minutes last Saturday against Philadelphia.

"He was a little bit sore, but he felt better this morning than he did last night, so that was a good sign," Del Negro said following practice at the Berto Center.

"We want him out there more. It's just that he's not healthy. His foot is healing as fast as it can and it's frustrating for him, I'm sure. He's just got to keep on getting his rest and getting his therapy and hopefully it will continue to improve."

Del Negro then switched to a more pessimistic answer when asked what it will take for Noah to get better.

"It's not going to get better," he said. "I've had it (plantar fasciitis). It's tough to get rid of. We're in February right now, so we've got a lot of basketball left. We need him to do whatever he can to get out there and get his minutes up, get his conditioning up and get some rebounds and have a presence for us."

Del Negro suggested he'll start increasing Noah's playing time when he sees the third-year center running normally and not grimacing every time he takes a step with his left foot.

Noah has made minimal contributions in the past two games and missed a pair of open dunks. The Bulls still lead the league in rebounds per game, but it will be tough to continue that pace unless Noah returns to form.

"In practice, it was good to have him back today, because he's one of the good, strong vocal leaders on this team," rookie forward Taj Gibson said of Noah.

Miller has averaged 29 minutes since the all-star break ended.

He hasn't shot well in the last three contests, going 8 for 28 from the field (28.6 percent).

"I think he's getting a little worn down with his minutes," Del Negro said. "I try to pick my spots when I've got to get him rest. He didn't do much today, so hopefully he'll get his energy back for tomorrow night."

<p class="factboxheadblack">Bulls game day</p>

<p class="News">Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers at the United Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday</p>

<p class="News"><b>TV:</b> Comcast SportsNet</p>

<p class="News"><b>Radio:</b> WMVP 1000-AM</p>

<p class="News"><b>Update:</b> The Pacers (19-37) aren't very good, but they can pull a surprise every once in awhile. On Saturday, they beat Houston 125-115 to snap a 24-game road losing streak against teams with winning records. Leading scorer Danny Granger (22.9 ppg) missed Sunday's loss at Dallas for undisclosed personal reasons. His return is unknown, but he appears doubtful for Wednesday night's game. Indiana's second-leading scorer is PF Troy Murphy at 13.7 ppg. The Bulls are 2-0 against the Pacers this season, winning once at home and once on the road.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Next:</b> Portland Trail Blazers at the United Center, 7 p.m. Friday</p>

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