Although not how it was planned, Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen will make his season debut tonight against the Houston Rockets. A Tuesday return for Markkanen had been kicked around inside the Bulls’ organization. Last week head coach Fred Hoiberg said that Markkanen would need “at least a week” worth of work after being cleared for contact, however he has taken part in two contact practices and individual workout without any problems.
Markkanen had this to say Friday night in Detroit:
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.”
The second-year power forward has missed all 23 games this season after suffering an elbow injury during training camp’s first week. He will be on a minutes restriction and the coaching staff is still deciding if he will start or come off the bench.
