Nuggets Lose Valančiūnas to Right Calf Strain Amid Starter Injury Crisis

Jonas Valančiūnas
January 2026

Jonas Valančiūnas suffered a right calf strain after Denver’s 106-103 win over Toronto and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. The injury worsens Denver’s availability issues with multiple starters already missing. Valančiūnas has been key as Denver’s backup center after arriving in free agency, providing steady minutes and production. With several starters out, his absence further strains rotation stability and frontcourt depth.