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4h ago

Nuggets Lose Jonas Valančiūnas for Four Weeks With Calf Strain as Jokić Remains Out

The update leaves Denver short at center for the next month, prompting small-ball lineups.

Dec 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (17) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the game at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
A detail of the Denver Nuggets uniform and logo against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 20, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan.
Dec 31, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) fails to get off the shot against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Denver announced Jonas Valančiūnas will be re-evaluated in four weeks after a right calf strain suffered late in Wednesday’s win at Toronto, where he logged 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
  • Nikola Jokić remains sidelined with a hyperextended left knee and is slated for a roughly four-week re-evaluation, with tests showing intact ligaments.
  • With both rotation centers out, rookie DaRon Holmes II and Zeke Nnaji are expected to absorb frontcourt minutes, and Peyton Watson’s 24 points and eight rebounds in Toronto highlighted Denver’s small-ball pivot.
  • Cameron Johnson (knee) is also out at least four weeks, Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) remain sidelined but could return during the current road trip, and Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable vs. Cleveland.
  • At 23-10 and third in the West, Denver could become eligible to add a player via a 10-day hardship exception after Jan. 5 if absences meet league thresholds, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.