It hasn't prevented him from playing in most games this season, but Chicago Bulls power forward has struggled with injuries this season and throughout his career. That trend continued when an MRI on Thursday revealed that the seven-footer suffered a right pelvis injury.

The injury is expected to sideline Markkanen for four-to-six weeks leaving the Bulls without a key part of their rotation.

“They explained to me what happened and I think it's smart. It's been a coiple days and it just feels like normal soreness. I don't know if it would be smart to play but I feel like I could play,” Markkanen said. “Of course it could always get worse so I think this is the smart thing to do.”

Markkanen added that he started feeling sore about 10 days ago. But he thought it was just the normal kind of soreness that is felt throughout the NBA season.

Chicago has been devastated by frontcourt injuries this season. Players like Wendell Carter Jr. and Daniel Gafford have both missed significant times with previous injuries.

The Finnish big man hasn't had the breakout season that many had expected from him. After a breakout sophomore season, Markannen is averaging just 15.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting a career-low 42.4 percent from the field.

As a team, the Bulls have compiled a 17-29 record through 46 games and are currently the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. Chicago is 2.5 games behind the Brooklyn Nets for a playoff spot.