Bulls get Bad News on Lauri Markkanen

The Chicago Bulls were dealt a blow on Monday as it was revealed forward Lauri Markkanen will be out 2-4 weeks with a shoulder sprain.

Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen will miss 2-4 weeks with a right shoulder sprain.https://t.co/n5PltThCDs

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) February 8, 2021

Markkanen was just rounding into form after missing 7 games earlier this season for another ailment - posting 31 points & 6 rebounds versus Portland on January 30th followed by 30 points & 5 rebounds against the Knicks in the next game. Billy Donovan had the following to say about the injury to Markkanen: 

It’s an unfortunate situation. He’s really, really helped our team quite a bit. He’s played really well on both ends of the floor. We’ll miss him.

With Markkanen, Otto Porter (back) and Wendell Carter Jr. (quad) all out, there is a ton of run for players like veteran Thaddeus Young and rookie Patrick Williams. Young has been hot lately, averaging 13.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.5 apg on 61.3 FG% & 1.8 apg in his last 6 games (nearly posting back-to-back triple-doubles), while Williams has averaged a respectable 13.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg on 52.9 FG% in his last 5 games. With the Bulls thin in the frontcourt, they could use all the help they can get. 

Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports