Bulls Receive Positive Injury News Ahead of NBA Cup Opener vs. Celtics

Already shallow in the frontcourt, the Chicago Bulls have caught a break ahead of their NBA Cup opener against Boston.

Jalen Smith — a true power forward who has been forced to start at center in Chicago's first five games — popped up on Thursday's injury report with a finger sprain on his left hand. He suffered the injury during Wednesday's 133-127 loss to the New York Knicks, although he was able to finish the game despite visibly appearing in pain.

However, Smith will be available when the Bulls face the Celtics on Friday. He was not given a designation in the final pregame injury report and will start for the sixth time in as many games this season. Smith joins Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson — all of whom have started each game so far — in Chicago's starting lineup against Boston.

In Monday's 134-99 loss to the Celtics, Smith had his worst game of the young season. He finished with just seven points, six rebounds, one assist, two turnovers and three personal fouls and shot just 2-of-8 from the floor. Both of his makes were from deep.

On the year, Smith is averaging 13.4 points, a team-leading 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.8 blocks per game. He's making 49.0% of his shots and 33.3% of his triples.

Chicago has been playing without its expected starting center going into this season, Nic Claxton. The Bulls acquired Claxton from the Nets in a three-team trade this summer, but the center has yet to play this season, due to a left hamstring strain.

In the meantime, the Bulls have started Smith while relying on Zach Collins, Tobe Awaka and a combination of forwards Leonard Miller and Noa Essengue.

Awaka, an undrafted rookie from Arizona, missed Wednesday's game because of a left ankle sprain that he suffered during practice on Tuesday. However, Awaka will be available for the Bulls' game against the Celtics, which could prove helpful if Smith's finger injury flares up again.

Although Awaka has played in just 26 minutes this season — entering the game in blowouts to the Raptors and Celtics — he has been a rebounding machine. Awaka scored four points and grabbed six boards in 12 minutes against Boston, four of which came on the offensive glass. He also secured six offensive rebounds in the season-opening loss to Toronto.