Raptors' Jonas Valanciunas: Play improves in Lucas Nogueira's (knee) absence

Valanciunas scored 17 points (6-11 FG, 5-5 FT) and added 10 rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block in 34 minutes during Wednesday's 123-116 win over the 76ers.

Analysis:

This is Valanciunas' second double-double in a row, and his third in four games. Lucas Nogueira (knee) sat out Wednesday, and Valanciunas did well with the boost in court time. During the last eight games when Nogueira was healthy, Valanciunas often looked bad averaged only 23.9 minutes, 8.4 points, and 8.8 rebounds. While Nogueira is out, Vanciunas is worth using. But owners may want to see some consistency from Valanciunas alongside Nogueira before trusting the former while the latter is healthy.