JALEN SMITH NEWS

Double-doubles in spot start Smith notched 11 points (3-10 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and five blocks across 29 minutes during Friday's 109-95 win over the Hornets.

Impact Smith got his first start of the season after NikolaVucevic was ruled out due to an illness, notching his first double-double of the campaign. He added a season-high five blocks for good measure, reminding everyone just what he can do when afforded starter-level minutes. Although he could shift back to a bench role as soon as their next game, Smith is someone who could move into a larger role at some point should the Bulls opt to move Vucevic prior to the trade deadline.

21 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Starting Friday Smith will get the start at center in Friday's matchup with the Hornets, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Smith will replace Nikola Vucevic (illness in the starting lineup. Chicago will go small with Smith at center alongside Josh Giddy, C'olby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Zach LaVine. It will be the first start of the season for Smith.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Underwhelming role continues Smith finished Friday's 132-123 loss to the Pacers with 10 points (3-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds and one block across 18 minutes.

Impact Smith continues to play limited minutes behind Nikola Vucevic, having logged fewer than 19 minutes in all of his 21 appearances thus far. He is currently averaging 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 three-pointers in 14.5 minutes per game, likely a victim of the fact that Nikola Vucevic has started the season on fire. Should the Bulls at any point decide to throw in the towel, there is a chance Smith could step into a more sizeable role. Until then, he will continue to soak up the majority of the backup center minutes.

DECEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Friday Smith (ankle) is active for Friday's game against the Celtics, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Impact Smith participated in Friday's shootaround, and he should see a steady dose of minutes off the bench as the primary backup of Nikola Vucevic at center. Smith is averaging 6.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game in 13 contests since the beginning of November.

NOVEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Participates in shootaround Smith (ankle), who is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Celtics, participated in the club's morning shootaround, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Smith was sidelined during Wednesday's win over the Wizards, though his participation in shootaround bodes well for a potential return to game action. If the big man is unable to return due to the left ankle sprain, the club could take an extended look at Adama Sanogo and E.J. Liddell off the bench.

NOVEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy vs. Boston Smith (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Celtics.

Impact Smith missed Wednesday's game against the Magic, and it's unclear if he'll recover in time to return against the reigning NBA champions. If he's unable to return for Friday's contest, then Adama Sanogo would be in line to see more minutes off the bench.

NOVEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Will not play Wednesday Smith (ankle) will be sidelined for Wednesday's tilt against the Magic.

Impact Wednesday will mark Smith's third absence of the year and first since Nov. 11. He's steadily been playing backup center minutes, but the Bulls don't have any other true fives to give extended run to. Coach Billy Donovan may have to run more small-ball, deploying players like Julian Phillips, Torrey Craig, Matas Buzelis and E.J. Liddell more often.

NOVEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Wednesday Smith is questionable for Wednesday's game against Orlando due to a left ankle sprain.

Impact Wednesday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, so the Bulls could take a cautious approach. Smith had a terrific showing Tuesday against the Wizards, scoring 12 points with nine rebounds, two assists and one block. If he's unable to play Wednesday, the Bulls are likely to utilize some smaller lineups.

NOVEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Season-best effort on glass Smith logged 12 points (5-11 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and one block across 18 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's 127-108 win over the Wizards.

Impact The nine boards were a season high for Smith. The fifth-year center hasn't seen his court time increase while Patrick Williams (foot) has been sidelined, but Smith has been more productive -- over the last three games he's scored in double digits twice while averaging 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 threes and 1.3 blocks in only 16.0 minutes a contest.

NOVEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Available for Saturday Smith (ankle) is available for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies.

Impact Smith was deemed questionable for this matchup earlier Saturday, but he'll suit up and will be available off the bench. Smith is averaging 14.6 minutes off the bench per game in November, so his availability isn't expected to affect many fantasy lineups.

NOVEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Deemed questionable Smith is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies due to a sprained left ankle.

Impact Smith played 15 minutes in Friday's victory over Atlanta, but it appears he picked up an injury during the contest. If he can't play, E.J. Liddell and Torrey Craig could see more action.

NOVEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Swats three shots Smith notched five points (2-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds and three blocks over 15 minutes during Sunday's 143-107 loss to the Rockets.

Impact Despite a limited workload, Smith was able to record a season-high three blocks in the blowout loss. After a strong start to the campaign, Smith has faded in November, posting averages of 5.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 14.9 minutes.

NOVEMBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Fails to score in victory Smith recorded zero points (0-2 FG, 0-2 3Pt), four rebounds and one assist in 14 minutes during Wednesday's 124-123 win over the Knicks.

Impact After recording double-digit points in three of his first four outings this season, Smith has done so just one time since. While the 24-year-old big man is converting 38.9 percent of his 3.6 three-point attempts per contest, he is also shooting just 44.4 percent from the field.

NOVEMBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Active Wednesday Smith (illness) will play Wednesday versus New York, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Smith joins a fully healthy Chicago frontcourt Wednesday after a one-game absence. The 24-year-old is everything 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds while knocking down 29.4 percent of 4.3 threes per game in his last four contests.

NOVEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Wednesday Smith (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.

Impact Smith is in danger of missing a second straight game due to an illness. The backup big man has been solid to start his first season in Chicago, averaging 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Monday Smith (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Cavaliers, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Smith was added to Monday's injury report due to an illness, which is serious enough for him to be sidelined. His next chance at suiting up will be Wednesday against the Knicks. With Smith sidelined Monday, the Bulls could run with smaller lineups when Nikola Vucevic is resting.

NOVEMBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Monday Smith (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers.

Impact Smith was a late addition to the injury report which usually isn't a great sign. He's been solid for the Bulls this season, averaging 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 14.6 minutes through nine games. If he's unable to play, the Bulls could potentially use some smaller lineups.

NOVEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Saturday Smith (knee) is available for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Impact Smith has been dealing with a left knee injury since late October, but he will continue to play through the issue. Over his last four outings, Smith has averaged 6.0 points and 4.8 rebounds over 15.3 minutes per game while coming off the bench.

NOVEMBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to suit up for Saturday Smith (knee) is probable for Saturday's matchup versus the Hawks.

Impact Smith has been a mainstay on the injury report due to a left knee effusion, though he will likely suit up for the fifth game in a row Saturday. The 24-year-old center has appeared in each of the Bulls' last four regular-season games, during which he averaged 6.0 points and 4.8 rebounds across 15.3 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Available to play Thursday Smith (knee) is available for Thursday's game against Minnesota.

Impact As has been the trend of late, Smith continues to deal with a left knee effusion but will suit up and should see minutes off the bench. He will operate as the backup center to Nikola Vucevic.

NOVEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to play against Minnesota Smith (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday's game versus the Timberwolves.

Impact Smith continues to receive probable tags while dealing with a left knee effusion but has suited up in each of Chicago's last three contests. If Smith is upgraded to available, he should continue to operate as the backup center to Nikola Vucevic.

NOVEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Minimal production in loss Smith racked up two points (1-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt), five rebounds and one steal over 16 minutes during Wednesday's 119-99 loss to Dallas.

Impact Smith scored a season-low two points during Wednesday's loss. Even despite the 24-year-old big man's poor shooting performance against Chicago, he is still converting 44.0 percent of his 3.6 three-point attempts per contest this season. Smith has also tallied at least one block or steal in four straight outings.

NOVEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Wednesday Smith (knee) is available for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.

Impact Smith continues to deal with a left knee effusion, but as of now, the injury hasn't forced him to miss time outside of the one game he missed against the Magic on Oct. 30. Smith is averaging 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game off the bench this season.

NOVEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to play against Dallas Smith (knee) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game versus the Mavericks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Impact Smith continues to deal with a left knee effusion but is expected to suit up for his third straight contest. If he's upgraded to available, Smith should operate as a primary bench option in Chicago's frontcourt.

NOVEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Gets green light Monday Smith (knee) is available to play in Monday's game against Utah.

Impact Smith sat out of Wednesday's win over Orlando due to a left knee effusion, though he was able to suit up in Friday's loss to Brooklyn. The 24-year-old has made an impact in limited run off the bench this season, during which he has averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds across 13.6 minutes per game in five regular-season outings.

NOVEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE