The Bulls listed Jalen Smith as day-to-day with a left finger sprain on Tuesday and called him probable for Wednesday's game at the Knicks. It is the third time since Oct. 29 that he has been added to the report with the finger.
What happened
Smith was added to the injury report as day-to-day on Tuesday at 4:11 p.m. ET. The report lists the injury as finger and arm. Its comment reads: "Smith is probable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks with a left finger sprain." He had been cleared from the report on Monday, so there was no previous status. This follows the same pattern as the past week. He went on the report Oct. 29 with the finger and arm, was cleared Oct. 30, went back on Nov. 1 and was cleared Nov. 2. Earlier, he was day-to-day Oct. 9 with a left foot and leg issue and was cleared Oct. 11.
What it means for the Bulls
Chicago plays at the Knicks on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bulls are 1-6, the 13th seed, and have lost five straight. Smith, a 26-year-old forward-center, averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 21.9 minutes over four games last season. The Bulls are 1-6 with him and have not played a game without him. If his minutes are cut, the rotation runs through Caleb Wilson (34.2 minutes, 21.6 points), Norman Powell (29.7, 20.3), Josh Giddey (27.2, 9.1) and Matas Buzelis (25.0, 13.0). Nic Claxton is out with a hamstring injury.
What to watch
The next update comes with the Bulls' report before Wednesday's tip at the Knicks. The report gives an expected return of Nov. 4, the day of the game, and calls him probable. Watch whether he is cleared or listed again, since the finger has put him on the report three times in a week. Claxton's hamstring is the other open question on the Bulls' front line. Chicago is looking for a win to break a five-game skid.
Is Jalen Smith playing at the Knicks?
He is probable for Wednesday's game at the Knicks (7:30 p.m. ET) with a left finger sprain, per the injury report. He is listed as day-to-day.
When will Jalen Smith be back?
He has not been ruled out. The report lists an expected return of Nov. 4, the day of the Knicks game, and calls him probable.