Chicago Bulls centre Joakim Noah needs surgery on his dislocated left shoulder and will likely be out for the rest of the NBA season, the team announced on Saturday.
Noah suffered the injury in Friday's home loss to Dallas when he became tangled with Mavericks centre JaVale McGee.
Noah was evaluated in Chicago on Saturday, where it was determined that surgery would be required to stabilise the shoulder.
Noah's recovery time is expected to be four to six months. A four-month recovery would mean Noah could possibly play in the playoffs, while a six month recovery would mean the Bulls will be without one of their best defensive players for the remainder of the season.
It is the second time this season Noah has injured his left shoulder.
He suffered a tear in the joint on Dec. 21 and missed nine games, returning earlier this week.
Noah's injury could mean young Australian big man Cameron Bairstow could finally get more minutes for the Bulls as a back-up to Pau Gasol.
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