After missing two games because of a calf injury, Nene will be available for the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, the team announced. Nene had previously given a thumb up about his status to the media during shootaround, and now it appears he will start at power forward alongside center Marcin Gortat, according to the Washington Post's Michael Lee.
Nene injury: Wizards have big man back from calf issue against 76ers
Washington Wizards big man Nene will start after missing two games because of a calf injury.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nene played 30 minutes on Oct. 30 in the Wizards' 113-102 season-opening loss to the Detroit Pistons but injured himself while compiling 12 points and three rebounds. Washington replaced Nene with recently-acquired center Gortat in the starting lineup, but the Wizards would ideally play both big men together.
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Gortat scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds in his first start, a loss to the 76ers. He recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds on Sunday against the Miami Heat.
The Wizards’ defense has especially suffered early on this season, and they are giving up 108.3 points per game while scoring 99 themselves. Nene’s injury and Gortat’s catching up after being traded from the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 25 also contributed to Washington’s 0-3 start to the year.
Nene has struggled with injury issues over the last four seasons. Last season, he averaged 12.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 61 games played.
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