Bulls’ Noah held out with left foot injury

ATLANTA (AP)—Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah(notes) is not with the team for Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks due to a left foot injury.

Team spokeswoman Sebrina Brewster says Noah is in Chicago receiving treatment for plantar fasciiitis, a painful irritation and swelling of the bottom of the heel. He also missed the Jan. 23 game at Houston with the injury and is not expected to return to action until after the All-Star break.

Brad Miller(notes) was the fill-in center and forward Chris Richard(notes), who signed a 10-day contract on Friday, also was expected to play.

Noah is averaging 11.2 points and ranks third in the league with 12 rebounds per game.