Nic Claxton (hamstring) remains out

Claxton injured his hamstring in early October, missing the entire preseason and Chicago’s first three regular-season games. He completed an individual workout on Monday, and the hope is that the Bulls’ center can resume practicing with the team next week. Jalen Smith should remain the starting center until Claxton is healthy enough to play.

With Nic Claxton (hamstring) sidelined, Smith will serve as the Bulls’ starting center until he returns. “Stix” had a productive first half, scoring 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds, but his production tailed off after halftime. Zach Collins (five rebounds), who played nine minutes, was reportedly limited to 12-16 minutes in his first game back from a quad injury. Smith played 19 minutes, partly because of the nature of the 135-92 defeat. He’s worth rostering in fantasy leagues while the Bulls await Claxton’s return.

Two days after reports surfaced that Claxton was ramping up his activity after injuring his hamstring early in the preseason, Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter said that the center will be out for another two weeks after being re-evaluated. Jalen Smith started most of the Bulls’ preseason games and should retain that role, increasing his fantasy value. Zach Collins (quad) was not restricted in Monday’s practice, setting him up to be available for Wednesday’s season opener against the Raptors.

Claxton injured his hamstring in early October and did not play in any of the Bulls’ preseason games. While he has been able to do a little more in practice each day, the Bulls are being cautious about bringing Claxton back. He’s likely the only rotation player who won’t be available for Wednesday’s season opener against the Raptors, meaning Jalen Smith will start at center. Smith is worth selecting with a late-round pick in fantasy drafts.

Collins, who underwent season-ending toe surgery in February, did not play in any of the Bulls’ preseason games because of a quad injury. However, he has progressed in his recovery and is expected to be available for Wednesday’s season opener against the Raptors. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) still limited in practice, Collins should play rotation minutes. However, given the time missed, his minutes will likely be limited, meaning more playing time for expected starter Jalen Smith.

As the Bulls await Nic Claxton’s return from a hamstring injury he sustained early in training camp, Smith has filled the center spot. He isn’t a rugged big man, but “Stix” provided late-round value when healthy last season. He’s worth taking a flier on in drafts, especially since Claxton won’t be re-evaluated until just before the regular season starts.

With Nic Claxton out with an injury, Miller has had more opportunities during the preseason. He hasn’t started, but that didn’t keep Miller from having one of the best nights of his NBA career, even if the game didn’t officially count. He shot 4-of-6 from three and made his first six shots before finally missing early in the third quarter. Jalen Smith (11 points, three rebounds, one steal and three three-pointers) started in Claxton’s place, but there should also be room for Miller. He shouldn’t be selected in most drafts, but Miller may have streaming value at various points in the season.

Nic Claxton is out with a hamstring injury, so Smith started at center for the Bulls on Wednesday night. Stix was solid, recording a stat line that lacked only a blocked shot over 20 minutes. Smith failed to crack the top-150 in nine-cat formats last season, but his value would rise if Claxton isn’t a full go when the regular season begins. As a result, Smith is worth a late-round flier in drafts.

Claxton was traded to the Bulls on June 22, but his debut will have to wait at least two weeks. It’s unknown if Claxton’s injury will force him to miss time in the regular season, but if it does, Jalen Smith would be the next man up at center, making him a late-round dart throw worthy of consideration in deeper leagues.

Less than 24 hours before the start of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Bulls have reportedly addressed their need for a center. Claxton appeared in 69 games for the Nets last season, averaging 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 61.6 percent from the foul line. Playing alongside an established point guard in Josh Giddey could pay dividends for Claxton, but Giddey has been the subject of trade rumors recently. A solid option for managers willing to punt free-throw percentage, Claxton may be able to raise his fantasy ceiling in the Windy City. As for Brooklyn, they’ve got a hole to address at the center position, with Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe being potential options to fill the void.