The Chicago Bulls were left without a representative in the NBA All-Star Game this season, but they’ll still be sending two players to the league’s Rising Stars game.
Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen, who has averaged 15.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this season, will join the World Team in the competition, which will take place on the Friday before the All-Star Game Feb. 16.
Markkanen will be joined by some of the NBA’s brightest young stars on the World Team, including 76’ers star Joel Embiid, Kings guard Buddy Hield, and 76’ers guard Ben Simmons, who just scored his second triple-double of the season against the Bulls on Wednesday night.
The Bulls will also be represented on the U.S. Team, as point guard Kris Dunn will join that squad. Dunn, acquired from the Timberwolves in the Jimmy Butler trade, is averaging 13.7 points and 6.4 assists per game this season, but is currently dealing with a concussion after a scary head-first fall to the United Center floor.
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, and Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon will also be on the American squad for the game.
The Rising Stars game will take place on Feb. 16, with the contest airing on TNT.
