Jalen Smith
30Breakdown
Performance
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December 31, 2025
Starting Wednesday vs. NOLA
Smith is in the Bulls' starting lineup against the Pelicans on Wednesday.
Analysis
With Josh Giddey (hamstring), Coby White (calf) and Zach Collins (toe) sidelined, the Bulls will deploy Smith alongside Nikola Vucevic for a bigger starting five in Wednesday's contest. Smith has played 22 minutes or more in each of Chicago's last three games and will enter the team's starting lineup for the first time in the 2025-26 regular season. Over his previous three outings, he averaged 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.3 threes and 1.3 blocks over 23.3 minutes per game.
December 30, 2025
Chips in 12 points in loss
Smith racked up 12 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 26 minutes during Monday's 136-101 loss to the Timberwolves.
Analysis
With Zach Collins (toe) sidelined, the 25-year-old center tied his most minutes played this season and had a productive night on both ends of the floor, drilling a trio of threes with three combined steals and blocks. Smith was capped at 17 minutes in each of his first six games after returning from a hamstring injury Dec. 12 but has now logged at least 22 minutes in three straight games for the first time this season. The Maryland product is averaging 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 threes, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks over the past three games.