The? Chicago Bulls have suspended forward? Bobby Portis?for eight games for punching teammate Nikola Mirotic and breaking his jaw at practice Tuesday. <br /> <br />Bulls executive vice president John Paxson said Wednesday that Mirotic is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering fractures to his upper jaw and a concussion. Paxson said Mirotic needs to clear the concussion protocol before the facial injuries can be addressed. <br /> <br /> <br />Stephen A. says Hayward was a 'huge piece' to Celtics <br /> <br />Young's style of play 'perfect' for the Warriors <br /> <br />Schefter: Elliott continues to be in 'legal limbo' <br /> <br />How will Celtics regroup without Hayward? <br />sc <br />Portis will begin serving his suspension when Chicago opens the season Thursday night in Toronto. He will still be able to practice with the team during his ban. <br /> <br />Paxson called Portis' actions "inexcusable," but added, "Bobby Portis is not a bad person. He's a good kid, but he made a mistake." <br /> <br />The two players had been talking trash to one another in practice, going back and forth before those exchanges escalated into a physical encounter, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Mirotic charged at Portis twice before Portis threw a punch and connected with Mirotic's face, league sources said. Mirotic dropped to the floor and lay there for several minutes before getting up. <br /> <br />Mirotic was taken to the hospital and released later Tuesday, sources said. <br /> <br />The Bulls announced Tuesday that surgery is likely for Mirotic. <br /> <br />The Vertical first reported news of the altercation. <br /> <br />Bulls general manager Gar Forman was at the practice and witnessed the altercation, league sources said. <br /> <br />Mirotic, 26, averaged 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, and was expected to start for Chicago this season. He signed a two-year deal with $12.5 million guaranteed to stay with the Bulls. <br /> <br />Portis, 22, averaged 6.8 points and 4.6 rebounds last season, and was battling Mirotic for the team's starting power forward spot. <br /> <br />With Mirotic and Portis both out, rookie? Lauri Markkanen will start Thursday night.?Markkanen, the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, was acquired in the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
