Backup center Jonas Valančiūnas became the latest casualty in the Denver Nuggets' mounting injury woes, diagnosed with a right calf strain that will sideline him for at least four weeks. Injured during his first start replacing Nikola Jokić, this leaves the third-place Nuggets (23-10) relying on thin frontcourt depth for key upcoming games.
The injury crisis intensified for the Denver Nuggets following their 106-103 win over the Toronto Raptors on New Year's Eve. Backup center Jonas Valančiūnas, signed in free agency and averaging 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds off the bench this season, suffered the right calf strain with 4:03 left in the third quarter during his debut start in place of injured superstar Nikola Jokić. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
This compounds absences from the prior week's injuries (detailed in earlier updates): Jokić (hyperextended left knee, out at least a month), Cameron Johnson (hyperextended right knee), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and Christian Braun (ankle)—leaving four of five opening-night starters sidelined, though Gordon and Braun are nearing returns. Jamal Murray is probable for Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a right ankle sprain.
Denver's frontcourt options now dwindle to Payton Watson, Spencer Jones, Zeke Nnaji, and rookie DaRon Holmes II (four games played). Despite the toll, the resilient Nuggets hold third in the West at 23-10. The schedule ahead, starting with Cleveland, will challenge their depth in what was a championship-caliber season after last year's NBA Finals run.