Jalen

Smith

Smith aggravated his right calf strain during Wednesday’s loss to the 76ers, and the decision has been made to shut him down for the rest of the season. The initial injury suffered in late January limited his availability until the aggravation, limiting Smith’s fantasy value. He played in 53 games, averaging 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.5 three-pointers in 20.7 minutes. For the rest of the season, Nick Richards, who exited Wednesday’s loss with an elbow injury, and Leonard Miller will have added importance within the Bulls’ rotation.

Richards, who started Wednesday’s game, is done for the night after nine first-half minutes due to a right elbow injury. With Jalen Smith (calf) also exiting before halftime, the Bulls inserted Patrick Williams and Isaac Okoro into the lineup to begin the third quarter. Richards finished with two points and five rebounds.

Smith played six minutes in the first quarter before exiting with a right calf issue, and that area has been a problem for him in recent weeks. Guerschon Yabusele and Leonard Miller should see their opportunities increase as long as Smith remains out.

The Bulls have made a change to their starting lineup, with Smith replacing Collin Sexton. Because Smith is restricted to 22-24 minutes, Sexton’s playing time may not take a significant hit despite coming off the bench.

Smith missed Thursday’s loss to the Cavaliers, but will return after a one-game absence. Nick Richards will head back to the bench with Smith returning to the starting lineup against the Rockets on Monday. Smith will be limited to 22-24 minutes, according to Bulls coach Billy Donovan.

Smith did not play in the Bulls’ most recent game, a loss to the Cavaliers on Thursday. With Guerschon Yabusele (ankle) considered doubtful, the Bulls could be left with Nick Richards and Lachlan Olbrich to rely on at the center position. Richards would be worth streaming in this scenario.

With no Jalen Smith, Richards was in the Bulls’ starting lineup for the second time in four games. He’s recorded at least six rebounds in four straight and eight of his last nine appearances. Richards has not been productive enough to merit rostering in most leagues, but the rebounding value makes him worthy of a look on nights when Smith is unavailable.

After logging 17 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors, Smith will not play on Thursday. Nick Richards was the replacement in the starting lineup the last time Smith was sidelined, and that should be the case on Thursday.

Smith was in the lineup for Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors, but he only played 17 minutes for injury management reasons. If he’s unable to play against the Cavaliers, Nick Richards and Guerschon Yabusele will have added importance, with the former likely moving into the starting lineup.

Smith is back after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Clippers, and he’s in the starting lineup. As a result, Nick Richards will be used in a reserve role, which cuts into his fantasy value.