With Lauri Markkanen back in the mix, Friday will be interesting for the Bulls

Now things are about to get interesting.

To say that Lauri Markkanen entered this season with a lot to prove is a major understatement, especially considering the Bulls and the forward’s camp couldn’t even agree on anything close to terms for an extension.

Markkanen’s response was to take a “bet on myself’’ approach, and through the first three games he seemed to do just that, averaging 20 points and 7.7 rebounds. But all three games were losses.

Then his calf flared up in Washington. While out with that injury, he was forced to remain out when the league’s coronavirus protocol identified him as a close contact.

What has happened since?

The Bulls won three of their next four without the 7-footer, and then went toe-to-toe with both Los Angeles teams last weekend.

Along the way, coach Billy Donovan has developed a closing unit of Coby White, Zach LaVine, Garrett Temple, Thad Young and —when his back spasms aren’t acting up — Otto Porter Jr.

But now Markkanen has been cleared to practice, is getting his conditioning back, and is expected to return to the starting lineup Friday when the team plays in Oklahoma City. What Donovan has to decide is how many minutes Markkanen earns in returning to the lineup, and more importantly, does he trust the fourth-year player enough in closing time if the game is within reach?

Donovan doesn’t show his hand when discussing lineups and rotations heading into games. But he did say he is glad to have Markkanen and Ryan Arcidiacono back in practice, and with the game Tuesday against the Celtics canceled, it bought him more time to get both players up and running from a conditioning standpoint.

“They were able to do a little bit of work while we were out on our West Coast trip,’’ Donovan said. “They’ve certainly got to get their timing back five-on-five. I thought both of them physically in terms of their conditioning were very, very good. I think both guys would probably agree, at least I’m just going off what they said to me even [Monday], that they feel like they need some time to get their timing back playing five-on-five. There’s something, I think, as a player you miss when you’re not having that level of contact on a consistent and regular basis, and they’ve missed that contact.’’

They’ve also missed some new installs on both the offensive and defensive side of the floor, even while trying to keep up with shootarounds and practices on Zoom.

“I mean we watched the games obviously, and we’ve been really competitive the last couple games, so we just got to be able to come back in and have that high energy, that competitive level right off the bat,’’ Markkanen said. “I’m sure we’re going to get some work done offensively and defensively [the rest of this week], because I’m sure they did some new stuff on the road, stuff like that. But I don’t expect stuff too different.’’

Markkanen did say that while his rhythm and timing were a tick off, his conditioning in the scrimmages wasn’t an issue. As far as his expectations for his role Friday? Markkanen was asked it three different ways and was vague in all three responses.

“We’ve been here a couple of days, so we ran with the team in a full practice and that’s how you get your timing and rhythm back, just playing with the guys,’’ Markkanen said. “There’s no shape like game shape, though.’’

Friday just got more interesting.