After it was originally reported earlier this week that Bulls’ forward Lauri Markkanen was planning to return on December 4th from the right elbow injury that has sidelined him all season, an official release from the team is now listing the 21-year-old Finn as probable for tonight’s game against the Rockets.
Per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Markkanen said last night: “I feel good. I’ve got a couple practices in and no pain, so that’s a good sign. There’s been nothing the next day after practice. I’ve been playing normally. So that’s good.”
Markkanen was originally thought to be out for 6-to-8 weeks after suffering a high grade lateral elbow sprain during the last week of September, but a report from earlier this month confirmed that recovery was taking longer than usual, with the Bulls relaying that the prized big man would not return until he felt 100%.
As a tweet from the Chicago Sun-Times notes, a Markkanen debut tonight makes sense considering Chicago’s upcoming schedule. The Bulls have two days off after tonight before their next game, and then – after Tuesday in Indianapolis – two more off days for practice.
During an outstanding rookie campaign, Markkanen averaged 15.2 PPG and 7.5 RPG in 29.7 MPG while appearing in 68 contests. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft.
Welcome to the future… Markkanen/WCJ!