Mirotic expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to concussion, facial fractures

Nikola Mirotic will miss at least the first month of the season.

The Chicago Bulls power forward is expected to be sidelined for four-to-six weeks after suffering a concussion and maxillary fractures, head coach Fred Hoiberg said Wednesday, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson.

Mirotic got into an altercation during Tuesday's practice with teammate Bobby Portis, who punched him in the face and has subsequently been suspended for eight games.

"It hurts both players, but it hurts our team," VP of basketball operations John Paxson told reporters.

He added that doctors feel surgery would be best, but the team is leaving the decision to Mirotic. The exec described both players as "aggressive" in the scuffle, which was reportedly instigated by Mirotic.

The Montenegrin big man averaged 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds over 70 games last season.

With both of Chicago's primary options at the four-spot set to miss time, rookie Lauri Markkanen will start at the position for the Bulls, who open the season Thursday against the Toronto Raptors.