Bulls expect Wendell Carter Jr. to miss 8-12 weeks with thumb injury

Chicago Bulls' Wendell Carter Jr. (34) works for position as Houston Rockets' Danuel House Jr. defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Houston. (David J. Phillip/AP)

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls expect prized rookie centre Wendell Carter Jr. to miss eight to 12 weeks because of a left thumb injury.

The team said Friday that surgery has been recommended for Carter, who was hurt Tuesday against the Lakers.

The injury was initially diagnosed as a sprain, but more tests and a follow-up examination with Bulls hand specialists Drs. John Fernandez and Mark Cohen on Friday revealed it was more serious and potentially season-ending.

The No. 7 overall draft pick, Carter averages 10.3 points and 7 rebounds.

The Bulls own the second-worst record in the NBA at 10-35. They have been hit hard by injuries and changed coaches, with Jim Boylen replacing Fred Hoiberg.

[relatedlinks]

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.