Bulls' Lauri Markkanen out 6-8 weeks with elbow injury

Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen will miss six to eight weeks after injuring his elbow in practice on Thursday.

The Bulls announced the news on Friday after an MRI showed ahigh grade lateral elbow sprain.

Markkanen, from Finland, was the seventh overall pick in last year's draft and enjoyed afine rookie season, averaging 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 68 games.

The Bulls open the regular season Oct. 18 at Philadelphia. A six-week timeline could see Markkanen return after missing 12 games.