Joakim Noah has revealed that he is likely to play in the Chicago Bulls' game against the New York Knicks later tonight.

The center has missed the team's last four games with lingering knee and ankle problems, having undergone knee surgery in the off-season and sprained his ankle earlier this month.

The reigning NBA defensive player of the year told ESPN: "My knee feels good. This is more of my ankle. I think it was good just to get some lifts and just take care of my body during this time, let it heal, and I feel pretty good and I'm excited to be able to play [on Thursday]."

Noah last played in the team's defeat to the Golden State Warriors two weeks ago.