Jonas Valančiūnas Exits vs Raptors with Calf Injury

Game summary

The Denver Nuggets were on the road in Toronto without Nikola Jokic and appeared to be closing in on a big win. Backup center Jonas Valančiūnas played 23 minutes and was contributing on both ends before he left the game early in the third quarter with an apparent right calf injury. Denver still held on to win the contest 106-103, improving their record to 23-10.

Injury details and what comes next

Valančiūnas headed to the locker room and was later seen in a boot. He said he felt a pop in the calf, which is an unsettling sign and could mean more time sidelined depending on medical evaluation. The timing is particularly rough for the Nuggets, who have already been dealing with multiple absences in their rotation.

With several frontcourt players already out, Denver may need to consider short-term roster moves or bringing in a free-agent center while the team waits for more clarity on Valančiūnas’ condition. The club will rely on its medical staff for updates, but for now the win came with a worrying aftertaste given the new injury concern.