Bulls forward Jalen Smith starts at center with Nic Claxton injured
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The gist
Bulls forward Jalen Smith scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a start at center in a 135-92 loss to Toronto.
He keeps the job while center Nic Claxton rehabs a hamstring injury.
Background
Jalen Smith, nicknamed "Stix," is a forward-center for the Chicago Bulls who averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds over 53 games in a career-best 2025-26 season and became a consistent starter late that year. He moved into the starting center spot because Bulls center Nic Claxton is sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out at least two weeks. Fantasy outlets flagged Smith as a top waiver add ahead of Chicago's season opener against Toronto.
How it unfolded
- Oct 16, 2026Smith played for the Bulls in a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Chicago.
- Oct 21, 2026Smith had 15 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block in 19 minutes in the Bulls' 135-92 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
- Oct 21, 2026CBS Sports reported Claxton is expected to remain out at least two weeks, with Smith in line to start at center until he returns.
- Oct 22, 2026FantasyPros reported Smith will continue to start as long as Claxton is sidelined.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- FantasyPros' Ari Koslow and NBC Sports' Raphielle Johnson say Smith will keep starting, and is worth rostering in fantasy leagues, until Claxton returns.
- Caution
- FantasySP's Morgan Rode noted Smith was expected to be a reserve before Claxton's injury and should now start or log heavy minutes.
- Analysts
- CBS Sports said Patrick Williams and Zach Collins are also likely to see extra action while Claxton is out.
Still unverified
Zach Collins was "reportedly" limited to 12-16 minutes in his first game back from a quad injury, per NBC Sports.