(670 The Score) Bulls big man Lauri Markkanen and forward Otto Porter Jr. are each on the verge of a return after extended absences.
Markkanen and Porter each stayed in Chicago during the All-Star break and recently engaged in contact workouts, coach Billy Donovan said, which marked a big step forward in their recoveries. Markkanen has been out since suffering a shoulder sprain in a collision in a game on Feb. 5. Porter has been out since Feb. 1 with back issues. If all goes well in the Bulls’ practice Wednesday evening, Markkanen and Porter are expected to return when Chicago hosts Philadelphia on Thursday.
“Otto and Lauri, I give them a lot of credit during the All-Star break,” Donovan said on the Mully & Haugh Show on Wednesday morning. “Both guys just stayed here in Chicago and trained every day and worked out. Both guys have had contact workouts, where they’ve had contact. Today will be our first real full practice with the team before we play tomorrow. I think if things progress like they’ve progressed up to this point in time, I think there’s a very, very strong possibility that both of those guys are suiting up and playing tomorrow.”
Markkanen is averaging 19.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 14 games this season. He also missed a solid chunk of time earlier in the season while in the COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Porter is averaging 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in 16 games.