Northwest Injury Roundup: Valanciunas Upgraded, Wolves Eye Bench Help, Markkanen Nearing Return, Thunder Navigate Short-Handed Stretch
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Denver, CO — The Nuggets may finally get some front-court relief this week. Center Jonas Valanciunas was listed as questionable for Thursday’s game in Washington, the team’s first upgrade for him since he strained his right calf on Dec. 31 in Toronto. Denver originally projected a four-week absence for the Lithuanian veteran; Thursday marks 27 days since that timeline began.
Valanciunas’ return would arrive while two-time MVP Nikola Jokić continues to rehab a bone bruise in his left knee. Head coach David Adelman said Tuesday that Valanciunas is expected back before Jokić, who was injured Dec. 29. If Valanciunas sits again Thursday, his next opportunity would be Friday in Milwaukee.
In Minnesota, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski reports that the Timberwolves’ most pressing roster need is a proven scorer off the bench. Naz Reid has shouldered much of the reserve offense, with inconsistent production from the backup guards and wings. Additional point-guard depth and rim protection are also on the wish list, but scoring punch tops the priority chart.
The Jazz will keep Lauri Markkanen sidelined for a sixth straight contest Thursday against San Antonio. Utah updated the forward’s designation from an illness to “return-to-competition reconditioning,” signaling he is close to game action.
Oklahoma City’s league-best 37-8 record comes despite a growing injury list. After losing Jalen Williams to a hamstring strain last weekend, the Thunder played Wednesday without Alex Caruso (right adductor strain), Jaylin Williams (left glute contusion) and Aaron Wiggins (right groin soreness). Rookie guard Ajay Mitchell exited that game early with a right hip contusion. None of the ailments is currently considered serious; Jaylin Williams had been questionable before tip-off, and Wiggins was a late scratch.
Source: Hoops Rumors
