Fansided

NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s crash-and-burn scenario

By John Hugar

EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: LeBron James makes his first official appearance in a Lakers uniform at media day at the Los Angeles Lakers training facility in El Segundo on Monday, Sep. 24, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: LeBron James makes his first official appearance in a Lakers uniform at media day at the Los Angeles Lakers training facility in El Segundo on Monday, Sep. 24, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 22: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball while being guarded by Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter at the United Center on February 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 22: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball while being guarded by Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter at the United Center on February 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls: Injuries thwart their young core

The whole point of this piece is to be a killjoy, which isn’t necessarily fun, but uh…Lauri Markkanen is already out until about Thanksgiving. This is bad news for a team already counting on steady production from injury prone players like Zach Lavine and Jabari Parker. Based on raw talent alone, the Bulls are good enough to have a realistic shot at one of the last few playoff spots. But staying healthy is a huge issue, and Markkanen’s injury is another frustrating reminder of that.