Nuggets F Nene expected to play

Mar 27, 2008 - 6:55 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- Denver Nuggets forward Nene could see action Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Brazilian has not played since taking a leave of absence in January to have a malignant tumor removed from his testicle.

Nene participated in a scrimmage Wednesday and, according to a report in The Denver Post, said he may return to the court against the Mavericks.

The 25-year-old told the newspaper he would like to play about five minutes.

"But it will feel like 50 minutes," he said. "I'll be very thankful. I just hope I'll be able to hold myself emotionally. I'm nervous."

Nuggets coach George Karl, also a cancer survivor himself, was encouraged by Nene's practice.

"He looked great," Karl said. "His presence was very obvious. He and (center) Marcus Camby have a communication between the two of them, and it showed today. I told him we just want to be a part of him celebrating his conquering of a very difficult situation."

The 6-11 Nene has appeared in 12 games this season for the Nuggets, averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds. He missed 22 games after undergoing surgery on his left thumb in early November.