3 reasons why Chicago Bulls could make the playoffs

2. Lauri Markkanen

Next up is Lauri Markkanen. He needs to play better than he had prior to getting sidelined due to a right pelvic stress reaction, if the Bulls are going to make a playoff push.

Markkanen has shown flashes of what he can do in years past. Now, it’s a matter of putting it all together when he returns to the lineup.

All season long, there have been questions raised about Markkanen and his regression. Many believed he would have taken larger steps in player development. Early on, some felt both he and LaVine could be named All-Stars if the Bulls played well enough.

Things didn’t pan out according to plan.

As soon as it became known LaVine wouldn’t be named an All-Star, Markkanen took to the sideline to tend to a right pelvic stress reaction.

Is the timing a coincidence?

I think not.

If Markkanen can find a way to improve his play within the Bulls’ system, it would go a long way toward taking some of the pressure off LaVine. On most nights, teams are game planning for LaVine in ways his other teammates are not.

The hope is that Markkanen will have a speedy return. Currently, the team’s injury report lists him as out.

It remains unclear when Markkanen’s status will be upgraded to active.