New York Knicks‘ Joakim Noah is in danger of missing another game. He’s questionable for Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ian Begley of ESPN New York reports that New York Knicks center Joakim Noah didn’t practice today. Per Begley, Noah is doubtful for tomorrow night when the Portland Trail Blazers visit.
Joakim Noah (illness) is questionable for tomorrow's game against Portland. He didn't practice today.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 21, 2016
Update: Joakim Noah (illness) & Lance Thomas (feet/ankle) are doubtful for Portland game. Kyle O'Quinn will likely start in Noah's place.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 21, 2016
The Knicks (6-7) are riding high after manhandling the Atlanta Hawks (9-4) 104-94. One player missing from their season-best performance was Noah. Without their starting center, the defensively-challenged home team held the Hawks to 40% shooting including 28.6% shooting from three-point range.
The Hawks are second in team field goal percentage (.473), making the job the Knicks did even more impressive. And after getting torched from beyond the arc by the Wizards, that 28.6% is a good number to see.
Point guard Dennis Schroder was held to a single point on 0-8 shooting. His season average is 14.5. Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony played good defense against Paul Millsap, who after the game showed no love for the team that just finished beating up on him.
Paul Millsap on Hawks' poor offense: "Against one of the worst defenses in the league and we come out and do that.”
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) November 20, 2016
It’s been a long time since the Knicks have played a game like they did on Sunday. But you can’t help thinking that it was without Joakim Noah. The alleged anchor of their defense.
That Willy Hernangomez and Kyle O’Quinn stepped up and excited the crowd in Noah’s absence while the highly paid starter has been mostly unremarkable so far only compounds the criticism that he’s received.
Fans are already clamoring for Noah’s shift out of the starting lineup. Hell, they were doing that before Sunday.
On Tuesday against Portland, we will likely get another preview of a defense with Noah. If things go well (Noah-less) against another playoff team, coach Jeff Hornacek will have something to think about.
