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 a high grade lateral elbow sprain.

Markkanen, from Finland, was the seventh overall pick in last year's draft and enjoyed a fine 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.