Jalen Smith came off the injury report Monday at 6:08 PM ET, cleared from Day-To-Day. The Bulls play at the 76ers at 7:30 PM ET with Nic Claxton out.
What happened
Chicago Bulls forward-center Jalen Smith was cleared on the official injury report Monday, Nov 2, at 6:08 PM ET. He had been listed Day-To-Day on Sunday, Nov 1, with a left finger and arm issue. The report gave no detail and no comment with the update. This is the second time in four days he has come off the list. He was listed Oct 29, cleared Oct 30, listed again Nov 1 and cleared Monday. Earlier, he was Day-To-Day with a left foot and leg issue from Oct 9 until Oct 11. An expected return is not announced, since the report no longer lists him.
What it means for the Bulls
Chicago plays at the 76ers tonight at 7:30 PM ET. The Bulls are 1-5, the 13th seed, and have lost four straight. Smith, 26, is averaging 12.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 24.1 minutes over six games. The Bulls are 1-5 with him and have not played a game without him. His clearance helps a roster that is already short, because Nic Claxton is listed Out with a hamstring and leg issue. The minutes behind Smith in the rotation belong to Leonard Miller at 18.7 and Noa Essengue at 13.9. Caleb Wilson (34.1 minutes, 21.2 points) and Norman Powell (29.8, 20.7) lead the group.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Smith stays off the list after the finger and arm issue returned once already. No return date is relevant now, because he is cleared and none is announced. The only game on the schedule is tonight at the 76ers, 7:30 PM ET. Watch his minutes against his 24.1 average, and watch Claxton's status, which would shape the frontcourt rotation if the hamstring keeps him out.
Is Jalen Smith playing at the 76ers?
He is not on the injury report. He was cleared from Day-To-Day at 6:08 PM ET Monday, ahead of the 7:30 PM ET game at the 76ers.
When will Jalen Smith be back?
No return date is needed. He was cleared Monday, Nov 2, and no expected return is announced because he is no longer listed.