Valanciunas (calf) will return to the Nuggets against the Wizards.
Jonas Valanciunas is back and ready after a grinding injury recovery for the Denver Nuggets.
Ahead of their Thursday road clash against the Washington Wizards, the Nuggets have announced that Valanciunas (calf) will be playing.
The Lithuanian big man has been out since the first day of the year after sustaining a right calf strain. He missed Denver's last 11 games.
As such, Valanciunas' return is simply a rejuvenating sign for the Nuggets that endured a lack of frontcourt presence throughout this month. Head coach David Adelman initially hinted that the center is poised to return.
Appearing in 33 games this season, Valanciunas is averaging 8.5 points and 4.7 boards while shooting over 59 percent from the field. He primarily serves as franchise superstar Nikola Jokic's backup.
With Valanciunas back in the lineup, the Nuggets can only feel better about the looming return of both Jokic (left knee bone bruise) and Cam Johnson (right knee bone bruise).
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