Forward Luol Deng sat out much of practice Thursday because of a swollen left knee after banging it in the first half Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. He is expected to play Friday when the Bulls host the Portland Trail Blazers at the United Center.

"We'll see how it is [Friday]," Deng said, "but it should be fine."

Center Joakim Noah also missed practice because of a previously scheduled doctor's appointment. He had a bone scan taken of his left foot, but said the plantar fasciitis hasn't gotten worse.

"No worries," Noah said. "I'm just trying to get back as much as I can and help this team. I'm hurting, obviously, but it's the end of the season right now and I want to be there for my team and I want to be as ready as possible come playoff time."

Noah returned to the Berto Center after the doctor's appointment and worked out on his own on the court. It also was his 25th birthday and coach Vinny Del Negro had a birthday cake for Noah.

"The birthday's been good," he said. "I went to go get treatment, get x-rays, hung out with some doctors, and missed practice. It's been pretty cool. A good day so far; at least it's nice outside."