Bulls forward-center Jalen Smith is day-to-day with a left finger sprain and is questionable for Friday's game at Boston. Chicago is already without Patrick Williams and Nic Claxton, so Smith's status could cut further into its frontcourt depth.
What happened
Jalen Smith is day-to-day with a left finger sprain, according to the official injury report filed Thursday, Oct. 29, at 3:14 p.m. ET. The report's comment says Smith is questionable for Friday's game against Boston. No status was listed for him before Thursday's update. This is his second injury listing of the season. He was day-to-day with a left foot issue on Oct. 9 and was cleared on Oct. 11. The 26-year-old forward-center has played in all five of Chicago's games.
What it means for the Bulls
The Bulls play at the Celtics on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Chicago is 1-4, holds the 12th seed and has lost three straight. Smith is averaging 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 23.5 minutes over five games. The Bulls are 1-4 with him and have not played a game without him. Depth is already short. Patrick Williams (right groin) and Nic Claxton (hamstring) are out, and Tobe Awaka (ankle) is day-to-day. Leonard Miller is averaging 20.3 minutes and 9.8 points, and Noa Essengue is averaging 13.3 minutes and 2.0 points. Caleb Wilson leads the rotation at 34.7 minutes and 20.8 points.
What to watch
The next injury report before Friday's game should show whether Smith plays in Boston. His expected return date is listed as Oct. 30, the day of the Celtics game. He is still questionable, though, and no final decision has been announced. Watch the updates on Williams, Claxton and Awaka too. Their statuses will decide how many bodies Chicago has up front as it tries to end its three-game skid.
Is Jalen Smith playing at the Celtics on Friday?
He is questionable for Friday's 7:30 p.m. ET game at Boston with a left finger sprain. No final decision has been announced.
When will Jalen Smith be back?
His expected return date is listed as Oct. 30, the day of the Celtics game. He is day-to-day, and his availability for that game has not been announced.