Breakdown
Performance
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January 2, 2026
Out for at least four weeks
Valanciunas will be re-evaluated in four weeks due to a right calf strain that he suffered during the Nuggets' 106-103 win over the Raptors on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
The Nuggets are now down both of their top big men, with Valanciunas joining Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf. Valanciunas made his first start of the season Wednesday and was slated to take on a larger role in the absence of Jokic, but with both of them now sidelined, the Nuggets will turn to DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji to fill in the gap at center.
January 1, 2026
Won't play Friday
Valanciunas (calf) won't play Friday against the Cavaliers.
Analysis
It's not a surprise to see this news after Valanciunas left Wednesday's game early with a calf strain, although the severity of the issue remains unclear. With Nikola Jokic (knee) already out for several weeks, the Nuggets will need guys like DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji to step up.
January 1, 2026
Unable to return
Valanciunas (calf) did not return to Wednesday's game against the Raptors. He finished with 17 points (5-6 FG, 7-8 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and three blocks in 23 minutes.
Analysis
Valanciunas started this game for Nikola Jokic (knee) with Denver's franchise player expected to miss several weeks. Valanciunas started hot, but he suffered a calf strain and hobbled to the locker room, never to return -- he was deemed questionable to return to the floor. If the big man ends up missing time, the Nuggets will likely turn to DaRon Holmes after he put in a productive shift to close this game out.
January 1, 2026
Questionable to return
Valanciunas is questionable to return to Wednesday's game against the Raptors with a right calf strain, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.
Analysis
The Nuggets can't seem to catch a break, as Valanciunas started this game in the absence of the injured Nikola Jokic (knee). If Valanciunas ends up missing time, DaRon Holmes is the next man up at center for the Nuggets.
January 1, 2026
Enters starting lineup
Valanciunas will start Wednesday against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analysis
This is an expected move with Nikola Jokic (knee) expected to miss multiple weeks for Denver. As a strong per-minute producer in points and rebounds, Valanciunas has been a popular pickup in fantasy hoops.
December 30, 2025
Plays 16 minutes in loss
Valanciunas notched six points (3-3 FG), four rebounds, one assist and one block across 16 minutes during Monday's 147-123 loss to Miami.
Analysis
Nikola Jokic left this game with a knee injury and looked to be in a lot of discomfort. If he ends up missing any time, Valanciunas is the next man up for Denver and would likely slot in as the fill-in starter. If that happens, his per-minute upside would make him an obvious grab in fantasy hoops.