Wizards expect Nene to be back for playoffs

Washington Wizards power forward Nene is expected to be cleared to play in time for the postseason.

Nene has been sidelined the past 21 games after spraining a left knee ligament on Feb. 23. He averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and three assists in 30.1 minutes per game before being injured.

During Nene’s absence, the Wizards have gone 12-9 and currently own the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Coach Randy Wittman said Nene might ease the 31-year-old back into the lineup and have Nene come off the bench, but isn’t letting on at this time. “I ain’t sharing it with you, but I’ve thought about it,” Wittman said.

His return should boost the Wizards’ low-post presence.

“Anytime you get one of your best players back, you’re excited,” Wittman told The Washington Post. “He means a lot to us. Having his presence back, both on the floor and in the locker room with these guys is big.”