Masiulis provides update on Valančiūnas injury after Žalgiris rout Sabah

Žalgiris’ 112-78 win over Baku Sabah brought the team its biggest victory of the preseason, but Jonas Valančiūnas’ injury became the main issue after the game.

Coach Tomas Masiulis said Valančiūnas had taken a knock in the first half. “He said he could have played, but we did not want to take a risk. It was only a leg contusion, seemingly nothing serious, but they will take another look and there will be more information. I cannot say more at the moment,” Masiulis said.

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He said he could have played, but we did not want to take a risk. It was only a leg contusion, seemingly nothing serious, but they will take another look and there will be more information. I cannot say more at the moment.

The coach also praised Žalgiris’ greater physicality. “We wanted to add more physicality. We were a little short of it before, so I am really satisfied today,” he said. The team grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, which Masiulis said showed its aggression and energy.

Masiulis was also pleased with the return of players from national-team duty. He said they understood the team’s demands and had fitted in smoothly, even after two weeks away from training with Žalgiris. He added that Marek, whom he described as an intelligent player, would understand everything the team wanted within a few more weeks.

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We wanted to add more physicality. We were a little short of it before, so I am really satisfied today.