Chicago Bulls: Lauri Markkanen not likely to return before All-Star Break

It is not looking good at the moment as far as the chances are concerned for the Chicago Bulls fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen to return from his shoulder injury in the very near future. Having only played in 14 games so far this season (all of which he’s started in), Markkanen hasn’t played a huge role in the Bulls heightened success of late.

In fact, Markkanen has played in less than half of the Bulls total regular season games to date. While he was really productive and efficient for this Bulls team when healthy and on the floor so far this season, that is a rarity.

Markkanen had a rough injury history for the Bulls since first entering the NBA out of the Arizona Wildcats basketball program four years ago. He has yet to come close to playing in a full regular season slate in each of his four seasons in his career thus far.

The latest injury problem for Markkanen concerns his shoulder. It was visibly bothering him in the last game he played in for the Bulls, which came back on Feb. 5 in a loss to the Orlando Magic on the road. He’s now missed nine games since that loss to the Magic more than two weeks ago.

Injury update for Chicago Bulls

Markkanen reportedly (per press release from the words of first-year head coach Billy Donovan) is “highly unlikely” to return from his shoulder injury for the Bulls prior to the All-Star Break. The NBA’s All-Star Break this year is set to come on March 5-10. That means Markkanen could miss another few weeks dealing with this shoulder injury.

But if the Bulls are able to keep winning like they have of late in Markkanen’s absence, then the coaching staff should let him rest up and return after the All-Star Break anyway.

Considering the Bulls currently hold a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings, ahead of tip off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 24, they could use as much help as they can get down the stretch. A healthy Markkanen is definitely included in that type of conversation.

In the 14 games that Markkanen played in for the Bulls so far this season, he averaged 19.1 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks. He’s shot a solid 51.4 percent from the field, 39.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 84.4 percent from the free-throw line.

The Bulls currently hold a record of 14-16, and sit on a two-game winning streak, heading into their Feb. 24 home meeting with standout guard D’Angelo Russell and the Timberwolves at the United Center. They tip off against the Timberwolves on this night at 7 p.m. CT.