WASHINGTON – Wizards forward Nene has a sprained MCL in his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
Nene was injured in the third quarter of Sunday night's win at Cleveland. The Wizards said Monday that an MRI revealed the extent of the injury.
The loss of Nene is a severe blow to Washington's hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2008. He has been the barometer of success when healthy since the Wizards acquired him in 2012. They are 60-61 when he plays, 8-34 when he doesn't.
A six-week absence would keep him sidelined until the final week or so of the regular season.
Nene is averaging 14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds.
The Wizards are 28-28, in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.