Bulls lose Lauri Markkanen for 4-6 weeks due to stress reaction in right pelvis
The Chicago Bulls’ season just went from bad to worse. Lauri Markkanen will miss the next 4-6 weeks due to a stress reaction in his right hip, the team announced Friday.
Markkanen, 22, has struggled to live up to last season’s breakout. Through 46 games, Markkanen is averaging 15 points and 6.5 rebounds. Despite those issues, Markkanen is still considered a valuable piece in the Bulls’ rebuild.
It’s unclear how long Markkanen has been dealing with the injury, or if it contributed to his struggles this season. Markkanen played 34 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. After experiencing some pain, Markkanen went for an MRI on Thursday, which revealed the issue in his pelvis.
Markkanen’s injury highlights a disturbing trend concerning Chicago’s core.
Zach LaVine
Otto Porter Jr
Lauri Markkanen
Wendell Carter Jr
Since Otto Porter was acquired a year ago, Bulls' four-man core has played 9 of a possible 74 games together. 9. https://t.co/cH8Y73WOwm— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) January 24, 2020
Of that group, only Zach LaVine will play Friday night against the Sacramento Kings. Wendell Carter Jr. and Otto Porter Jr. are both recovering from injuries.
The Bulls are 17-29 this season.
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