Zalgiris hit by injury scare as Jonas Valanciunas limps off in friendly

Zalgiris Kaunas secured a comfortable preseason win over BC Sabah, but the night was spoiled by Jonas Valanciunas leaving the court with a right-leg injury. The friendly took place on September 6, 2026, in Lithuania, where Zalgiris dominated the Azerbaijani side. Yet fans were concerned as the team's major summer signing exited early. Valanciunas appeared hurt after a collision around the basket. The medical staff checked him and decided to keep him out as a precaution. A Zalgiris coaching staff member said: "He said he could continue, but we did not want to take risks. It is just a bruise on his leg, it does not look serious. They will check again and we will have more information." The 34-year-old center is a key piece for Zalgiris as he returns from a long NBA career. His size, rebounding and elite experience give the team a different dimension in the EuroLeague. The club will likely rest him for a few days before further tests. With any injury, the real question is how the club manages the message and the player's minutes. For now, Zalgiris is optimistic, but the following medical updates will define how the team plans its season opener.