JALEN SMITH NEWS

Nabs 10 boards in return Smith provided five points (2-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt), 10 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 17 minutes during Friday's 129-126 victory over the Hornets.

Impact Smith made his first appearance since Nov. 28 due to a left hamstring issue. He struggled a bit on the offensive end but still managed to rack up double-digit rebounds despite being on a 20-minute restriction. Smith typically sits around the 20-minute mark on a nightly basis in his role behind Nikola Vucevic, so the limit shouldn't have much of an impact as he eases back into the swing of things.

6 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Friday Smith (hamstring) will play on a 20-minute restriction during Friday's game against the Hornets, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Impact After missing five consecutive contests due to a left hamstring strain, Smith will return to action against Charlotte. The big man will likely split time with Zach Collins (wrist) behind starter Nikola Vucevic, assuming Collins ditches his probable tag. Over his last five appearances, Smith has averaged 9.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 19.6 minutes per contest.

22 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Likely to play Friday Smith (hamstring) is probable for Friday's game against the Hornets.

Impact After practicing in full Wednesday, Smith is set to play Friday. The veteran big man has missed five straight games with a hamstring strain, and Smith is expected to split the backup center minutes with Zach Collins (wrist), likely leaving both fighting for scraps off the bench.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Practices Wednesday Smith (hamstring) practiced in full Wednesday, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Impact Smith has missed the past five games for Charlotte, but the recent time off has done him a lot of good. He'll have another 48 hours to recover in time for Friday's game against the Hornets.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Podziemski scores 21, Warriors beat Bulls 123-91 for Chicago's 7th straight loss

Brandin Podziemski scored 21 points off the bench, Jimmy Butler added 19 in his return to the lineup and the injury-depleted Golden State Warriors beat the Chicago Bulls 123-91 to...

5 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Won't play Sunday Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Warriors, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Impact Smith will officially miss a fifth straight game due to a hamstring injury, but he'll have additional time to recover before the Bulls' next game Friday against the Hornets. Zach Collins (wrist) will continue to serve as Chicago's primary backup center behind Nikola Vucevic.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful for Sunday Smith (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Warriors.

Impact Smith is on track to miss his fifth consecutive game Sunday evening, so Zach Collins will be operating as Nikola Vucevic's primary backup. Check back for official word on Smith's status closer to Sunday's tip.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Friday Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Impact Smith will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to a left hamstring strain. With the big man sidelined, Zach Collins and Lachlan Olbrich are candidates to pick up the slack behind Nikola Vucevic. Smith's next chance to play will come Sunday against Golden State.

DECEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Considered doubtful for Friday Smith (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Pacers.

Impact Smith is in line to miss his fourth straight matchup while on the mend from a left hamstring strain. Zach Collins (wrist), who is questionable, could see more time if Smith is officially downgraded to out, though Lachlan Olbrich could also be asked to take on a heavier workload if both Smith and Collins are sidelined.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Bulls rookie Noa Essengue to have season-ending surgery on left shoulder

Chicago Bulls rookie forward Noa Essengue, the 12th overall pick in the NBA draft, will have surgery on his left shoulder and miss the remainder of the season, coach Billy Donovan...

DECEMBER 4 • Associated Press

Out again Smith (hamstring) won't play in Wednesday's game against Brooklyn, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Impact Smith will miss a third straight contest due to a strained left hamstring. With Zach Collins also out, Nikola Vucevic will handle as many center minutes as possible. Lachlan Olbrich (calf) should see minutes as the backup center. Smith's next chance to play will come Friday against Indiana.

DECEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Wednesday Smith (hamstring) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Nets.

Impact Smith has missed two straight games due to a left hamstring strain and is at risk of missing a third. Zach Collins (wrist), who's yet to make his season debut, is also listed as questionable, so the backup center spot behind Nikola Vucevic on Wednesday remains unclear.

DECEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Monday Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Magic.

Impact Smith will miss his second consecutive game due to a left hamstring strain, and his next opportunity to suit up will come Wednesday against the Nets. With the big man sidelined, Lachlan Olbrich (calf) and Patrick Williams are candidates for increased playing time.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Bulls vs Pacers injury report: Andrew Nembhard, Coby White, Jalen Smith, and more The reeling Chicago Bulls take on the Indiana Pacers without several key reserves and the possibility that Coby White doesn't suit up.

NOVEMBER 29 • PIPPENAINTEASY.COM

Out with hamstring injury Smith will miss Saturday's matchup against the Pacers due to a left hamstring strain.

Impact Saturday's game will be Smith's first missed action of the 2025-26 campaign. He's been playing well and averaging a career-high 10.0 points per game. In his stead, and with Zach Collins (wrist) out, the Bulls may have to run out a small-ball second unit featuring Patrick Williams (wrist) at center.

NOVEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in loss Friday Smith notched six points (3-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt) and five rebounds across 17 minutes during Friday's 123-116 loss to Charlotte.

Impact Smith had arguably his worst game of the season, playing fewer than 18 minutes for the first time in the past four games. Despite playing as the primary backup behind Nikola Vucevic, Smith has been a somewhat consistent source of points and rebounds, based on his role, that is. Through 18 games, he is averaging 10.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per contest.

NOVEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Zion Williamson scores 29 and the Pelicans end a 9-game skid with a 143-130 win over the Bulls

The New Orleans Pelicans have ended a nine-game skid and won for the first time under interim coach James Borrego

NOVEMBER 25 • Associated Press

Productive in loss to Miami Smith logged 14 points (5-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists and five blocks in 24 minutes during Friday's 143-107 loss to the Heat.

Impact Smith has been putting up solid numbers as a reserve this season and notched his ninth game with double-digit points. Even though his second-unit role limits his upside considerably, Smith can be a decent streaming option in some formats, as he's seeing 16.3 minutes and averaging a career-high 10.1 points per game.

NOVEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Heat dominate Bulls 143-107, led by Kel'el Ware's 20 points and 14 rebounds

The Miami Heat have rolled to a 143-107 win over the Chicago Bulls

NOVEMBER 22 • Associated Press

Available to play Smith (chest) will be available for Friday's matchup with Miami.

Impact Smith was being listed as probable, and now we have official confirmation that he'll be out there. On the season, Smith is averaging 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

NOVEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Probable for Friday Smith (chest) is probable for Friday's game against Miami.

Impact The 25-year-old has been dealing with a right pectoralis strain, but he's been able to push through it thus far. The center holds averages of 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per contest.

NOVEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to face Portland Smith (chest) will play in Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith had been considered probable, so his availability doesn't come as much of a surprise. The 25-year-old has been dealing with a right pectoralis strain. He's averaging 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds across 16.0 minutes per game this season.

NOVEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Probable for Wednesday Smith is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers due to a right pectoralis strain.

Impact Smith sustained the injury in the third quarter of Monday's win over the Nuggets, though he returned in the fourth and is likely to play Wednesday. Over his last five outings, the backup big man has averaged 12.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 17.8 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to play Smith (shoulder) returned to Monday's game against the Nuggets during the fourth quarter, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Impact Smith departed in the third quarter with an apparent shoulder injury, but was spotted back on the bench shortly after. He was later given the green light to check back in with 7:33 remaining in the final period.

NOVEMBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Exits to locker room Smith exited to the locker room after sustaining an apparent right shoulder injury in the third quarter of Monday's game against the Nuggets, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network...

Impact Smith went down and immediately grabbed at his right shoulder before checking out with 1:03 remaining in the third. If the big man is unable to return, Noa Essengue and Patrick Williams are candidates for a slight bump in minutes the rest of the way.

NOVEMBER 18 • ROTOWIRE