Nene could return soon as April 9, according to report

Nene could make a return to the court as early as April 9, when the Washington Wizards play against the Charlotte Bobcats at Verizon Center, according a report by J.Michael of CSN Washington. The Brazilian power forward suffered a sprained MCL during the Wizards' February 23 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and has not played since then.

This is definitely great news for the Wizards as it helps their chances of advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Even though Al Harrington and Drew Gooden have stepped up big time during his absence, bringing Nene back also helps take some of the load off of Marcin Gortat, who has been the Wizards' only player who is at least 6'11."

During Nene's absence, the Wizards have had to play smaller lineups more often than they would like, and adding Nene will allow them to have bigger lineups to match up with taller front courts once again.