Valanciunas out 4 more weeks due to thumb injury

Though Jonas Valanciunas' injured left thumb continues to improve, the Toronto Raptors center will remain out of action for approximately another month.

"Valanciunas is now wearing a splint for basketball activities only, and he is working with the Raptors' medical staff to rehabilitate the range of motion and improve power and strength in the joint," the team announced.

"He will use the splint for approximately the next four weeks and will be regularly evaluated during that period. His condition will be updated as appropriate."

The seventh-year center out of Lithuania was averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, primarily in a reserve capacity, until he dislocated the thumb on Dec. 12 against the Golden State Warriors.

Since Valanciunas' injury, Greg Monroe has seen increased usage off the Raptors' bench. Across his last 13 appearances - including two starts - Monroe is averaging 6.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in 15 minutes per game.