Jalen Smith
23Breakdown
Performance
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February 2, 2026
Iffy for Tuesday
Smith is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Bucks due to right calf cramping.
Analysis
Smith is in danger of missing a third consecutive contest with the issue. If the big man remains out, Lachlan Olbrich should step into the backup center role behind Nikola Vucevic, but the former wouldn't carry much fantasy appeal in that spot.
February 1, 2026
Not playing Sunday
Smith (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Miami.
Analysis
Smith will end up missing both of Chicago's weekend games against Miami while nursing a right calf injury, and his next chance to play is Tuesday against Milwaukee. The Bulls are getting back Nikola Vucevic (rest) for Sunday's contest, but Patrick Williams -- who started Saturday -- should see a fair amount of minutes in Smith's absence.
January 31, 2026
Ruled out Saturday vs. Miami
Smith (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat.
Analysis
Smith injured his right calf during the Bulls' 116-113 loss to Miami on Thursday, which will prevent him from playing in Saturday's contest. Nikola Vucevic (rest) is listed as doubtful for the contest, so the Bulls will have to lean on Lachlan Olbrich and Patrick Williams in Smith's absence. Smith's next chance to play is Sunday's rematch with the Heat.
January 30, 2026
Questionable for Saturday
Smith (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game in Miami.
Analysis
Nikola Vucevic (rest) is slated to sit out Saturday's game, so Smith will likely be starting if he's cleared. Check back for another update on Smith closer to Saturday's tip.
January 30, 2026
Won't return due to calf injury
Smith will not return to Thursday's game against the Heat due to right calf tightness.
Analysis
Smith's night will end with 11 points (4-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and five rebounds (three offensive) over 15 minutes in the first half. Patrick Williams should see a significant increase in minutes off the bench for the second half in Smith's absence.
January 30, 2026
Back in starting lineup
Smith is in the Bulls' starting lineup against the Heat on Thursday.
Analysis
Smith will make his 10th start of the season Thursday (and sixth in seven games) while Josh Giddey (hamstring) sits out of the second leg of the Bulls' back-to-back set. Smith has averaged 12.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.1 threes, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals in 27.8 minutes per game over his last 10 outings (six starts).
January 29, 2026
Available to play
Smith (calf) is available for Thursday's game versus the Heat.
Analysis
Smith is dealing with some minor soreness in his right calf, but he'll power through it and get out there for Thursday's match. Smith has been playing well in January, posting averages of 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 triples and 1.0 blocks per contest.
January 29, 2026
Probable for Thursday
Smith is probable for Thursday's game against Miami with right calf soreness.
Analysis
For now, the expectation is that Smith will push through this injury for the second leg of this back-to-back set. During Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Smith fared well with 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 28 minutes.
January 28, 2026
Not starting Wednesday
Smith is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.
Analysis
The Pacers are rolling out a smaller lineup Wednesday, which is being countered by a small-ball group by the Bulls that has Josh Giddey back in the first unit. Over his last six appearances off the bench, Smith has averaged 10.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game.