Joakim Noah played just 19 minutes and 45 seconds during the preseason for the Chicago Bulls due to a groin injury.

Noah said that he has been pain-free for "four or five" days and there is a "100 percent" chance of him playing the first game of the regular season against the Miami Heat.

"Every time you play against Miami, it's always a statement," Noah said. "We're a hungry group. It's one of 82, but we know that every time you play against Miami it's important."