The Chicago Bulls have invested a ton of their future into the development of Lauri Markkanen, so it's with great pride that they welcome him back to the lineup against the Houston Rockets. Markkanen, a 21-year-old with limitless potential, has not played a single game this season (23 in total) due to an elbow injury he suffered at the beginning of training camp.
The Bulls' coaching staff is undecided as to his deployment - whether he'll come off the bench, or regain a starting berth right from on the onset. Though it stands to reason Markkanen will be on a "minutes restriction" whatever the case may be. There lies the small chance he doesn't play at all, but the Bulls have given the press every indication they want to get the ball rolling on his "in-game" reintegration.
"I feel good,” Markkanen told the press Friday night in Detroit. "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 scored rave reviews from his peers around the league during his rookie campaign. In 68 games as a rook, the Finnish national managed season averages of 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The Bulls-Rockets matchup begins Tonight, at 8 pm Eastern Time. Keep it locked.