Bulls' Markkanen expected to fully participate in Tuesday's practice

Lauri Markkanen's getting closer to his 2018-19 season debut, as Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg expects the sophomore big man to fully participate in Tuesday's practice.

"Lauri had a great workout (Sunday)," Hoiberg said Monday to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. "He did play two-on-two and he responded well this morning. He went through shootaround, got into our script-offense segment. He was on the scout team again today. And the plan is to have him a full participant in practice (Tuesday).

"Obviously, depending on how he does with that will determine how quickly we can get him back out on the floor. "

According to Johnson, conversations have centered on Markkanen debuting on Dec. 4 against the Indiana Pacers.

The 7-footer's been sidelined because of an elbow sprain suffered during a preseason practice. Last season, Markkanen averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 36.2 percent from three, earning himself a spot on the NBA's All-Rookie Team.

The Bulls are currently 5-15, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference. On Friday, Bobby Portis, who's missed the last 16 games, and Kris Dunn, who's played just once this season, worked out during practice. Both players are sidelined with MCL sprains.