Chicago Bulls: 3 observations from recent 7-game losing streak

2. Bulls miss Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen

It is no secret that Kris Dunn has been playing exceptionally well for the Bulls following a rookie season that left a lot to be desired. His scoring output is up nearly 10 points per game compared to last season, and his shooting numbers (43.3 percent overall and 32.4 from downtown) are significantly higher than the .377/.288/.610 shooting splits he posted in 2016-17.

Furthermore, prior to the outing against the Golden State Warriors – a game in which he took a nasty fall following a dunk – Dunn had recorded at least eight assists in seven consecutive games.

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With their starting point guard still on the shelf, the Bulls have managed to win just one game during Dunn’s absence.

Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen has also been out of the lineup over the last three games, celebrating the birth of his new son. During those three games, the Bulls have not shot the ball well to say the least, shooting just 39.1 percent from the field.

When you take into consideration how well Markkanen spaces the floor, combined with the fact that he concluded the month of January with averages of 17.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game on 47.8 percent shooting overall and 43.2 percent from 3-point range, it is easy to see why the offense has struggled at times.

Tanking or not, the Bulls will certainly be glad when their two future franchise cornerstones are back on the court.