Bulls forward-center Jalen Smith will not return to Wednesday's game against the Knicks because of a left hand injury, and he remains day-to-day. Chicago, 1-6 and on a five-game losing streak, loses its frontcourt rotation piece for the rest of the night.
What happened
The injury report updated Smith's status at 8:58 p.m. ET on Wednesday. He is day-to-day with a left hand injury, the same status as before, though the listed detail has moved. Earlier Wednesday he was listed day-to-day with a left finger issue. The report's comment says Smith (hand) won't return to Wednesday's game against the Knicks. His listing has flipped often in the past week. He was cleared on Oct. 30, listed again Nov. 1, cleared Nov. 2, listed Nov. 3, and cleared and listed again on Nov. 4. The report gives Nov. 8 as his expected return.
What it means for the Bulls
Smith's night at Madison Square Garden is over, and the Bulls play on without their F-C. This season he has averaged 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.7 minutes over seven games. That is real production inside for a team that sits 14th in the standings at 1-6. Chicago is 1-6 with him in the lineup and has not played a game without him. The rotation minutes fall to the players already carrying the load. Caleb Wilson averages 34.2 minutes, Norman Powell 29.7, Josh Giddey 27.2 and Matas Buzelis 25.0. Noa Essengue plays 14.0. Nic Claxton is also out with a left leg and hamstring injury.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether the hand keeps Smith out of Chicago's following game. That game is not announced here. The report lists Nov. 8 as his expected return, and he stays day-to-day until then. His status has changed several times in a week, so watch the wording and the body part. The Bulls need to end a five-game skid, and Claxton's absence leaves them thin up front. Any change to Smith's status will come with the next report.
Is Jalen Smith playing at the Knicks?
No. He started Wednesday's game at New York but will not return to it because of a left hand injury, according to the injury report. He is listed day-to-day.
When will Jalen Smith be back?
The injury report lists Nov. 8 as his expected return. He remains day-to-day, and the Bulls have not announced anything beyond that.