Bulls' Kornet to miss 6-8 weeks with ankle sprain, foot fracture

Chicago Bulls center Luke Kornet is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks after tests revealed he sustained a severe ankle sprain and a fracture of his fifth metatarsal during practice on Feb. 21, the team announced Thursday.

The 24-year-old had stepped into the Bulls' starting lineup recently as the team dealt with injuries to fellow big men Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr., who've been out since January.

Kornet averaged 10.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 14 games as a starter over the last month compared to 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 22 contests as a reserve.

The timeline could put Kornet's season in jeopardy. At six weeks, he would be scheduled to return around April 9, while an eight-week absence would keep him out until approximately April 23. The regular season ends April 15, and the Bulls are currently six-and-a-half games behind the Orlando Magic for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot.

Kornet signed a two-year, $4.5-million deal with Chicago last summer.