Jalen Smith came off the injury report Wednesday, one day after he was listed day-to-day with a finger and arm issue. The Bulls play at the Knicks at 7:30 PM ET, and the report shows no restriction for him.
What happened
Chicago Bulls forward-center Jalen Smith was cleared on the official injury report at 5:48 PM ET on Wednesday, Nov. 4. He had been listed day-to-day. Tuesday's entry gave the issue as finger and arm. The latest report has no detail and no comment, and it announces no expected return. This is the third time he has been cleared and then listed again. He came off the report on Oct. 11, went back on Oct. 29, was cleared Oct. 30, was listed again Nov. 1, and was cleared Nov. 2. He was listed again Nov. 3.
What it means for the Bulls
The Bulls play at the Knicks tonight at 7:30 PM ET. They are 1-6, sit 13th and have lost five straight. Smith has played all seven games and averages 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.7 minutes. Chicago is 1-6 with him and has not played without him. Nic Claxton remains out with a left hamstring issue, so the Bulls need a big man in the rotation. Caleb Wilson leads the group at 34.2 minutes and 21.6 points. Norman Powell follows at 29.7 minutes and 20.3 points. Matas Buzelis is at 25.0 minutes and 13.0 points.
What to watch
Smith is off the report, so the next update is whether he appears on a new one before the next game. His history this month shows the finger and arm issue has come back after each clearance. The Bulls have not announced a minutes limit. The Knicks game is tonight at 7:30 PM ET. Chicago is trying to end a five-game losing streak and win for the second time this season.
Is Jalen Smith playing at the Knicks?
He is not on the injury report. The Bulls cleared him Wednesday at 5:48 PM ET, ahead of the 7:30 PM ET game at the Knicks. No minutes limit has been announced.
When will Jalen Smith be back?
He is already cleared. He had been day-to-day with a finger and arm issue, and no return date was needed or announced. He could be available tonight at the Knicks.