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UPDATE
The Bulls received some good news ahead of Wednesday night’s game.
After missing Monday’s close battle with the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach Billy Donovan told reporters that backup big man Jalen Smith will return. Smith has averaged 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds over his first nine games with the team. He’s also been an immediate asset from behind the arc, draining 41.2 percent of his attempts thus far.
Smith’s return comes at a great time, as the Bulls may need to lean on his athleticism a little extra in a matchup with Karl-Anthony Towns. The New York Knicks have also allowed opponents to shoot shocking well at the rim this season, which could bode well for the big man tonight.
You can find our original injury report post on the Bulls-Knicks game below.
The Chicago Bulls are inching closer to 100 percent.
While Zach LaVine remains on the injury report with an adductor strain, he is probable for tonight’s meeting with the New York Knicks. The two-time All-Star is coming off a 26-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where his three-level scoring chops were on full display. The Bulls will undoubtedly need more of the same tonight against a star-studded Knicks lineup.
Jalen Smith is still listed on the latest official injury report as questionable with an illness. If the backup big man can’t go tonight, it will be his second consecutive missed game and third of the season. Adama Sanogo will likely fill his spot in the rotation.
As for Lonzo Ball, he will miss his eighth straight game due to a wrist injury. The good news is that he’s reportedly started to progress in his rehab. Not only has the team removed his splint, but Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson reports that Ball has been cleared to resume dribbling. While it feels unlikely we see Ball by Friday night, we may want to turn our attention to Sunday’s matchup with the Rockets as a possible return date.
The Knicks actually own the biggest injury news of the day. Second-leading scorer Jalen Brunson is currently listed as questionable with an ankle sprain. The guard has yet to miss any games this season and is averaging 24.3 points and 6.4 assists per game. Considering the Knicks are less than 24 hours removed from playing Philly, it wouldn’t necessarily be shocking if they decided to sit Brunson out of an abundance of caution.
Even if he does play, we’ll want to keep a close eye on how he’s moving. The Knicks may have plenty of talent in their starting lineup, but we all know Brunson is their driving force. The Bulls could have a lot easier time keeping up if he isn’t putting normal pressure on this team’s porous backcourt defense.
Bulls-Knicks Injury Report
Bulls
Lonzo Ball – OUT (wrist)
Jalen Smith – QUESTIONABLE (illness)
Zach LaVine – PROBABLE (adductor)
Knicks
Precious Achiuwa – OUT (hamstring)
Mitchell Robinson – OUT (ankle)
Miles McBride – QUESTIONABLE (knee)
Cameron Payne – QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
Jalen Brunson – QUESTIONABLE (ankle)