Jalen

Smith

Injured early in the preseason, Claxton was limited to 16-20 minutes in his Bulls debut on Sunday. He played 18 minutes and recorded a few rebounds, assists and blocks. Claxton came off the bench, with Jalen Smith (17/8/2, four blocks and two three-pointers) remaining in the starting lineup. The roles will reverse eventually, but not until Claxton’s minutes restriction is lifted.

Smith was initially probable, so the status upgrade was expected. He’ll remain in the starting lineup, with Nic Claxton (hamstring) limited to 16-20 minutes in his Bulls debut.

Claxton is available to make his season debut after a preseason hamstring strain. He’ll come off the bench on Sunday, and the Bulls will limit him to 16-20 minutes. Jalen Smith remains the starter for now, but his fantasy value will take a hit once that changes.

Smith is probable with a finger injury while Nic Claxton (hamstring) is questionable. If Claxton is out, Smith could return as the starting center once again.

Jalen Smith sustained the injury after a hard fall. Once Nicolas Claxton returns, he will be the presumed starter. Until then, look for Zach Collins to take the majority of the minutes that Jalen Smith had.

With Nic Claxton (hamstring) out for another game, Smith will continue to start at center for the Bulls.

Yet to miss a game this season, Smith has filled in for the injured Nic Claxton as the Bulls’ starting center. However, with Claxton close to making his Bulls debut, Smith’s role will likely change soon.

For the first time this season, the Bulls have listed Claxton as questionable ahead of a game. If he can play on Wednesday, Zach Collins could see his playing time decrease after playing 10 minutes in Monday’s loss to the 76ers. The question is whether the Bulls would start Claxton immediately; that would push Jalen Smith to the bench.

Smith played through a finger injury and remained in the starting role that he has held all season. This was a decent performance for him during what has been a strong start to the year. However, Nic Claxton (hamstring) is getting closer to making his debut for Chicago. When Claxton is healthy and up to speed, he’ll likely be this team’s starting center. Smith holds value as a temporary starter, but when Claxton returns, Smith’s value will take a big hit.

Smith was initially listed as probable, and he has now officially been cleared to suit up. Nic Claxton (hamstring) will remain out after being listed as doubtful. Smith will remain a starter for this game, though he will likely lose the job when Claxton is available.