Bulls starting power forward Nikola Mirotic will miss Thursday's season opener and be sidelined indefinitely after getting punched in the face by teammate Bobby Portis during a practice altercation.
The Bulls released a statement saying Mirotic suffered a concussion and "maxillary fractures" and that "surgery is likely required." One source said Mirotic had two broken bones after Portis connected and could miss up to three weeks. He has since been released from the hospital.
The Bulls said they are evaluating disciplinary action, but Portis is almost certain to draw a suspension.
With Mirotic out up to three weeks, it's uncertain how coach Fred Hoiberg will handle his lineup. One possibility would be to start rookie Lauri Markkanen.
Regardless, the incident puts a serious damper on what the Bulls had called a fresh start with their full rebuild following the trade of Jimmy Butler.
