CHICAGO --- The Chicago Bulls announced today that starting forward Lauri Markkanen will be out between four to six weeks because of a right pelvic injury.
The "stress reaction" was confirmed by an MRI.
Markkanen appeared in 46 games this season where he averaged 15 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per. His absence deals a serious blow to the Bulls' hopes of making the postseason after a disappoint start.
Despite a 17-29 won-lost record, the Bulls have remained in the hunt for a playoffs berth, trailing the 18-25 Brooklyn Nets by just 2.5 games for a potential eighth and last spot. But Markkanen's ability to score, defend and grab rebounds puts a large dent of those aspirations.
The 7-foot, 240-pound forward was taken as the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft out of University of Arizona. The 22-year old also missed 30 games last season.
The Bulls are coming off a hard-fought 117-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves last Wednesday at the United Center. They will begin life Markkanen when they host the visiting Sacramanto Kings.
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