Monday, November 26, 2018

Bulls' Markkanen (elbow) moving closer to season debut

CHICAGO (AP) -- Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is moving closer to his season debut after spraining his right elbow in September.

Markkanen has been ramping up his workouts, and coach Fred Hoiberg says the plan is have him "fully participate in practice" on Tuesday. If that goes well, the Bulls could set a date for Markkanen's return to game action.

The 7-foot Markkanen was selected by Minnesota with the No. 7 pick in last year's draft and then traded to Chicago in the Jimmy Butler deal. He averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 68 games as a rookie.

Rookie forward Chandler Hutchison could return Monday night against San Antonio after missing the last three games because of back spasms. Hoiberg says Hutchison feels a lot better, and they are optimistic about his chances of playing against the Spurs.