Breakdown
Performance
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March 6, 2026
Coming off bench Thursday
Valanciunas is not in the Nuggets' starting lineup against the Lakers on Friday, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.
Analysis
Valanciunas was in the Nuggets' starting five in Monday's 128-125 win over the Jazz, when he finished with 13 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal over 17 minutes. He'll revert to a bench role for Thursday's contest while Zeke Nnaji starts alongside Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther and Nikola Jokic.
March 3, 2026
Logs 13 points in starting role
Valanciunas logged 13 points (4-6 FG, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one steal over 17 minutes during Monday's 128-125 victory over the Jazz.
Analysis
Valanciunas played in unfamiliar territory Monday night, as he ran with the first unit at the four alongside Nikola Jokic. Valanciunas lacks the floor-stretching ability of other big men who can roam beyond the baseline, but the Nuggets made the call given numerous injuries throughout the roster. Putting Valanciunas and Jokic together can make sense down the stretch to give Denver a size advantage up front, so there could be repeat appearances of this scheme until Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) can return to action.
March 3, 2026
Drawing rare start
Valanciunas is starting Monday's game against the Jazz.
Analysis
Valanciunas will draw his first start since Jan. 29 due to the absences of Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Spencer Jones (shoulder). Valanciunas is averaging 15.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in his previous four starts.