{
  "id": 15082541,
  "title": "Bulls’ Tiago Splitter throws cold water on preseason Nic Claxton return",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/bulls-tiago-splitter-throws-cold-water-on-preseason-nic-claxton-return",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T00:36:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bulls-tiago-splitter-throws-cold-003657039.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bulls' forward Tiago Splitter has dampened preseason excitement surrounding the return of Nic Claxton. Claxton, who sustained a hamstring injury during practice, is not expected to play in the Bulls' upcoming preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Head coach Tiago Splitter confirmed that Claxton remains sidelined, along with Zach Collins, Issac Okoro, and Tobe Awaka, who are also dealing with injuries. Collins is nursing a soft-tissue injury to his toe, while Okoro is sidelined with a quadriceps contusion, and Awaka is dealing with knee inflammation. Claxton's return timeline remains uncertain. In his absence, Jalen Smith has filled in as the primary big man, posting double-digit scoring performances against the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. Despite Claxton's lack of availability, the Bulls have an alternative big man in the secondary unit due to Collins' potential return. Acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in July, Claxton brings valuable size, strength, and rim protection to the Bulls' roster. He also provides spacing and transition game capabilities. Last season, Claxton averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game for the Nets over 69 games, shooting an efficient 57.1% from the field.",
  "summary": "The Chicago Bulls had to go through the preseason without Nic Claxton . The newly acquired big man has been out with a hamstring injury sustained during practice. As a result, the team placed him on a 2-week evaluation. On Friday, the Bulls will close out the preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves before the regular season starts on October […] The post Bulls’ Tiago Splitter throws cold…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Tiago Splitter looks forward to ‘loaded’ early Bulls schedule",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/tiago-splitter-looks-forward-to-loaded-early-bulls-schedule",
        "published": "2026-10-17T00:03:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}