Bull's Mirotic to forego surgery for facial injuries

WASHINGTON, Oct.31 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic has made a decision to not to have surgery to treat his facial injuries.

Mirotic suffered a concussion and facial fractures when he was punched by Portis during a practice altercation Oct. 17. Portis was suspended for eight games.

After the fight, the Bulls initially said that they were waiting for Mirotic's concussion symptoms to subside before doctors could ascertain whether he needed surgery for his facial injuries.

Vice President of basketball operations John Paxson told reporters that Mirotic decided to let the facial fractures heal on their own.

In three seasons, Mirotic has averaged 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Portis, 22, was a first-round draft pick in 2015 who has averaged 6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game over two seasons.