The Chicago Bulls lost to the New York Knicks on Wednesday, 135-105. During the game, Jalen Smith suffered an injury scare after landing on his left hand. As a result, the Bulls pulled Smith from the game.

However, Smith said he expects to return on Sunday when the Bulls play the Philadelphia 76ers at home, per K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network. Altogether, Smith played 7 minutes and scored 3 points.

The Knicks scored a franchise-record 84 points in the first half, while every Bulls player scored for the first time in franchise history.

Smith entered the game listed as probable after battling a left finger injury. Lately, Smith has been filling in for Nic Claxton, who's out with a hamstring injury at center. With Smith feeling vulnerable, the center spot is precarious.

So far, Smith is averaging 11.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. The Bulls are now 1-7 as they enter a rebuilding phase with a new coach, new players, and a new everything.

However, the Bulls haven't come out of the game storming, in the sense that they want to project a desire to play to win.

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Meanwhile, Smith is now the subject of rumors that the Golden State Warriors may look to snatch him up in a trade, per Peter O'Keefe of Blue Man Hoop. In July 2024, Smith signed a 3-year, $27 million contract with Chicago that runs out in the Summer of 2027.

Afterward, Smith will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Bulls will play the 76ers at 2:30pm CST/3:30pm EST on Sunday at the United Center.