Jalen Smith is day-to-day with a left foot issue and was ruled out of Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies. The Bulls will go without him at forward-center for the matchup, which tips off at 8:00 PM ET on NBA TV.
What happened
Smith's status moved to day-to-day as of Friday's 6:41 PM ET injury report, with the issue listed as a left foot and leg problem. No previous status had been announced for him. K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports that Smith has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies because of the foot issue. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 11.
What it means for the Bulls
Chicago hosts the Grizzlies on Friday at 8:00 PM ET on NBA TV without Smith, who averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in 20.7 minutes across 53 games last season. The Bulls are 0-0 with the 2026-27 season not yet underway. Nikola Vucevic, who has been logging 30.8 minutes and 16.9 points in this stretch, is the frontcourt option most likely to absorb Smith's minutes, alongside Matas Buzelis at 29.2 minutes and 16.3 points.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Smith's left foot issue has cleared ahead of his Oct. 11 target return. Chicago also has Tre Jones, Jaylin Sellers, Zach Collins and Nic Claxton listed as day-to-day on the same report, so the team's health will be worth tracking through the rest of the preseason schedule.
Is Jalen Smith playing vs Grizzlies?
No. Smith was ruled out of Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies with a left foot issue, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network.
When will Jalen Smith be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 11. His status is day-to-day.