Beal, Nene, and Gooden close to returning from injury

The Wizards have been depleted due to injury in recent weeks. But we now know that three players are getting close to returning on the court.

On Sunday, Wizards head coach Randy Wittman announced that Bradley Beal is expected to resume non-basketball activities, according to Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post. However, Beal Wittman stressed that Beal will be on a minutes restriction and will not return to the court until he is 100 percent. He has suffered a stress reaction in his right fibula and has been sidelined since December 6.

The Wizards are currently on a four-game win streak without Beal so there will be some people who believe that he should come off the bench when he returns. I don't have a problem with that considering that Garrett Temple and Kelly Oubre have shined in starting roles over the past week.

Wittman also announced on Sunday night that backup center Nene and forward Drew Gooden III are closer to returning after missing over a month each due to leg injuries. Though they are doubtful for tonight's game against the Clippers, they may be able to return "anywhere from three or four days to two weeks" from today, according to Wittman.

Even though Beal, Nene, or Gooden aren't returning immediately, this is welcome news because we know that they should be returning sooner rather than later.