Portis joins Bulls' crowded injured list
Bad news continues to wash over the Bulls.
Four games into the regular season, four rotation players are out with significant injuries. The latest is forward Bobby Portis, who injured his right knee during the fourth quarter of Wednesday's 112-110 victory over Charlotte.
An MRI exam Thursday revealed a moderate MCL sprain and Portis is expected to miss four to six weeks. It's basically the exact same diagnosis given to point guard Kris Dunn Tuesday, except it's the opposite knee.
The other injured Bulls are Lauri Markkanen (elbow) and Denzel Valentine (ankle). Markkanen is expected back in mid-November, while Valentine will be reevaluated late next week. Both players missed all of preseason.
Portis left the game with 8:01 remaining in the fourth quarter. Trailing on a fast break, it appeared an opposing player may have fallen into Portis' knee.
Portis kept running past the press table in obvious pain and eventually collapsed onto some stairs in the seating area behind the visiting bench. He eventually limped to the bench under his own power.
Portis has been starting at power forward in place of Markkanen. He was one of the Bulls' leading scorers in preseason, but hit a scoring slump since the first half of the season opener in Philadelphia. Portis is averaging 10.5 points and 10 rebounds.
With Portis out, the Bulls might consider starting Jabari Parker at power forward. Rookie Chandler Hutchison and backup center Cristiano Felicio, who played well against Charlotte, figure to get a chance at more playing time.