The Bulls are 22 games over .500 and lead their division by 14 games.

Yet they feel they will be even better with the return of starting center Joakim Noah, who underwent thumb surgery and hasn't played since Dec. 15.

"It's something we've been waiting on for a long time," said star forward Carlos Boozer, who wasn't able to play until December because of a hand injury. "It's right around the corner, we look forward to it."

Noah, averaging 14 points and 11.7 rebounds, should add speed and versatility to the lineup.

"We know that Joakim is going to play (hard) no matter what," said All-Star guard Derrick Rose. "When he comes back, I think we're going to be very tough."

The Bulls, who went 22-10 without Noah, expect his return to action Wednesday in Toronto.

"It should be very hard for people to go to the hole," Rose said. "We're not a fast-break team right now because (38-year-old) Kurt (Thomas) is kind of old. … But when Joakim comes back, he is going to speed the game up and give us a lot of energy out there."

Sights seen: Former Bear James "Big Cat" Williams at the Chicago Firehouse on South Michigan Avenue Saturday. … Gov. Pat Quinn greeted audience members at the Chicago Children's Theatre Saturday morning before a performance of "Jackie and Me," which documents the life and travails of Jackie Robinson.