Nic

Claxton

Claxton will miss Wednesday’s game against the Knicks with a left hamstring strain. Jalen Smith (finger) is available to play and should start with Claxton sidelined.

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.

While Claxton fully participated in Sunday’s practice, he isn’t ready to appear in games yet. Jalen Smith will continue to start until that changes.

Claxton fully participated in Sunday’s practice, and the door may be open for his first appearance for the Bulls. However, he’s still listed as doubtful, so the chances of that happening on Monday are slim. Jalen Smith will start at center until Claxton is cleared to play.

Acquired from the Nets in a multi-team trade this summer, Claxton strained his hamstring in early October and has been out since. However, his Bulls debut may not be far away, as he practiced on Sunday without limitations. Jalen Smith has been the starting center in Claxton’s absence, and managers may want to hold onto him until Claxton can play with no restrictions on his playing time.

Head coach Tiago Splitter said Claxton will likely travel with the team for their upcoming road trip as he is progressing from his injury. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on updates, but Jalen Smith will be the starting center until Claxton returns.

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.