NBA Daily Notes: Paul George - MVP? ; Top fantasy picks for December 23rd

PF 1 - Lauri Markkanen (Chicago Bulls):

The Chicago Bulls have not been a good team this season, even though the expectations were high, after Zach LaVine was finally fit and the Bulls signing an offensive juggernaut in Jabari Parker. But injuries to Kris Dunn, Denzel Valentine, Bobby Portis and their star forward Lauri Makkanen, had destroyed their hopes.

Now with LaVine and Portis injured again and Jabari Parker moved out of the rotation due to his poor defensive game, the Bulls look like they are back to being bad again. One player who seems to be going strong this season is Lauri Markkanen.

Lauri Markkanen has been amazing for the Bulls this season

Lauri has returned from his injury on a positive note, averaging a nice 17 points per game along with 7 rebounds as well. He has become a better defender on the floor too, grabbing at least 1 steal and block per game.

In the 90-80 win over the Orlando Magic, Lauri had a massive 32 points off some really good 60% shooting. He even managed to grab 6 rebounds for them and 3 assists too. He even had a block, stuffing his overall stat sheet and helping out his team.

The Bulls will look to him and Dunn in the absence of LaVine and he will try and keep it going against the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow.

Alternate pick: John Collins (Atlanta Hawks)