Without a single game played, the Chicago Bulls are already off to a rough start in 2017-18.
Yesterday, Bobby Portis & Nikola Mirotic were involved in a nasty scuffle, leaving Mirotic w/ a broken bones in his face & a concussion. According to reports, the two were physical throughout the scrimmage & things escalated towards the end.
Nikola Mirotic
Out 4-6 weeks
Bobby Portis
Suspended 8 gms.
The result? An 8-game suspension for Portis & a 4-6 week recovery period for Mirotic.
Rough, in-house blow for the Bulls, who are already without Zach LaVine (recovering from ACL), Kris Dunn (finger) & Cameron Payne (foot).
Rookie Lauri Markkannen will get the starting nod in Mirotic's place, alongside Jerian Grant, Justin Holiday, Paul Zipser & Robin Lopez.
Chicago kicks things off tomorrow in Toronto (7:30 ET).