Denver Nuggets Reeling: Jokic and Valanciunas Injured

Jonas Valančiūnas suffered a right calf strain and will be "re-evaluated in four weeks," adding to a growing injury list for the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokić has a hyperextended left knee and the team is also missing Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon at times, leaving Jamal Murray as the only mostly healthy starter. Valančiūnas averages 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in limited minutes, but his loss deepens a bench that already looks thin. Merlin sees a champion being tested by attrition. Coach David Adelman said "there's a chance the two return during their current road trip," but timelines are uncertain. Expect heavier minutes for role players, creative lineups, and a tougher slog on the schedule. If Jokić or Murray misses time the balance shifts quickly and the Nuggets could wobble.