The Washington Wizards could be getting a key player back from injury just in time for the playoffs. Center/Power Forward Nene could make his return from a knee injury that has sidelined him for the last 21 games sometime this week.
The Wizards have gone 12-9 without Nene in the lineup but could use his all-around game in a potential first round playoff matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Despite falling to the Bulls on Saturday, the Wizards have won two of the three meetings between the two clubs this season. Nene was in the lineup for both of those victories.
“Nene gives us another facilitator. Against a team like this you need another one,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. “With John being one, Bradley can do some things off the dribble but Nene was another guy that can play like Noah does at the top with the ball in his hands, the passing and also the posting up that he does for us.
Nene has played in 49 games this season and is averaging 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 49 percent. In two games against the Bulls, Nene has averaged 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. As his season’s shot chart shows, Nene is much more of a dynamic offensive player than Trevor Booker who replaced him in the starting lineup.
Booker is averaging 6.4 points and 5.4 rebounds since replacing Nene in the lineup. Getting Nene back and getting him back in sync with his teammates could be a big boost to the Wizards heading into the postseason.
