National Basketball Association

Noah out against Timberwolves with ankle injury

Published Mar. 30, 2011 8:56 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Chicago Bulls have scratched Joakim Noah from the lineup against Minnesota because of a sprained right ankle.

Noah practiced on Tuesday and tested the ankle out in pregame warmups on Wednesday night, but was unable to go. Kurt Thomas started in his place.

Noah is averaging 12.1 points and 11 rebounds, and the Bulls rely on his board work to start their fast breaks.

The Timberwolves got All-Star Kevin Love back in the lineup after a three-game absence because of a strained left groin. The NBA's leading rebounder did not make last week's trip to Dallas and Oklahoma City and also sat out the game Sunday against Boston.