Nuggets F Nene out two weeks

Feb 24, 2009 - 5:56 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- Denver Nuggets center Nene is expected to miss at least two weeks with a right knee contusion.

The news was announced after Monday's 114-76 loss to Boston - the Nuggets' second-worst home loss in 33 years.

An MRI did not reveal any structural damage and confirmed the team's original diagnosis of a bone bruise.

The Brazilian suffered the injury in the final minute of Sunday's contest in Milwaukee when he banged knees with Bucks forward Richard Jefferson. Nene, who had 17 points and seven rebounds in 33 minutes before leaving.

Nene is Denver's fourth-leading scorer, averaging 14.9 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds in 55 games this season.

Johan Petro started in place of Nene on Monday, registering nine points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes.

"The one big plus is he shows he has the skills to be on an NBA court," Nuggets coach George Karl said.