Apr 9, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards center Nene (42) drives through New York Knicks power forward Kenyon Martin (3) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 120-99. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Right when you think things are turning around for the Wizards from a health standpoint, something like this occurs. Nene, who spent the vast majority of the offseason rehabbing various injuries, apparently injured his calf after shooting a jump shot during last night’s loss against the Detroit Pistons. He isn’t expected to practice today, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he missed Friday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

After the game, Nene could be seen limping as he left the locker room and it’s a left calf injury, CSN later confirmed.

-via CSN Washington

These sort of things tend to happen, but due to Washington’s ridiculous misfortune, it’s happened way too many times in the past several years. Nene is probably the only reliable big man on the Wizards roster, so if he ends up missing time with this injury, it could cost Washington a good amount of games. Marcin Gortat wasn’t placed in the starting lineup last game, likely because he’s only spent 5-days with the team, but I have no doubt that they’ll try to insert him into the rotation as soon as possible. Besides Nene, Marcin Gortat is the only big man on the roster who won’t turn into a liability.

After watching preseason, it’s pretty evident that Washington doesn’t have any other bigs to fill Nene’s void. The Wizards’ sixth overall pick, Jan Vesely, has essentially become a waste of a roster spot. Trevor Booker is as inconsistent as they come, and Kevin Seraphin continues to baffle me every time he steps on the floor. Needless to say, the Wizards desperately need Nene if they want to make the post-season for the first time in half a decade.

It’s not time to push the panic button, but this news is pretty depressing.

Washington will meet the Sixers at home this Friday. Let’s hope Nene is able to suit up.

UPDATE:

Crisis averted. It sounds like Nene’s injury was very minor, according to CSN’s Chris Miller.

Despite missing practice today Coach Wittman says Nene will play tomorrow. Dealing with a left calf.

Although the Sixers aren’t a particularly big team, having Nene on the floor will definitely give Washington a significant advantage. If the Wizards come prepared, if I wouldn’t be surprised if Nene gets a rest for a large portion of the game.