The Denver Nuggets have been dealt another challenging blow to their championship defense, as center Jonas Valanciunas is set to be re-evaluated in four weeks following a right calf strain sustained during Wednesday's game in Toronto.

The injury compounds an already difficult period for the third-seeded Nuggets, who are currently navigating significant personnel challenges with four of their five starters sidelined, including superstar Nikola Jokic and now his critical backup.

Medical sources close to the team confirmed that Valanciunas will undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation program designed to ensure a full and safe recovery. The Lithuanian center's absence represents a substantial disruption to the Nuggets' rotational depth, particularly during this critical stretch of the NBA season.

The strain occurred during a high-intensity moment in Wednesday's contest against the Raptors, where Valanciunas was providing meaningful minutes off the bench. While the exact mechanism of injury remains undisclosed, calf strains are typically treated with a combination of rest, physical therapy, and gradual strength conditioning.

For the Nuggets' coaching staff, this injury necessitates immediate strategic adjustments. The team will likely rely on alternative big men to fill the void left by Valanciunas, testing the squad's versatility and bench strength during this challenging period.

Fans and team management alike will be closely monitoring Valanciunas's recovery, hoping for a smooth rehabilitation that allows him to return to peak performance before the critical playoff push.