Wizards' Nene dealing with plantar fasciitis, return timetable unclear

For the second time in three years, Nene is dealing with plantar fasciitis, which is as uncomfortable as it sounds.

The Brazilian power forward had to be removed from the Washington Wizards' game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday due to soreness in his right foot, pain that he told reporters has developed over time.

"I think he's OK," head coach Randy Wittman said, though it's difficult to know with this type of injury, where rest and pain tolerance are the primary factors involved in determining a return. Nene has previously undergone tests on his right foot that showed no structural damage.

Nene played in just 53 games a season ago, mostly due to a knee injury. He missed three games in December due to tendinitis in his right foot, though, and missed a chunk of time late in 2011-12 with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Through 11 games this season, Nene is averaging 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists, some of the lowest numbers of his career - partly because his minutes have been trimmed to keep him fresh. The Wizards are still substantially better with him on the floor than without, improving by 14.4 points per-100 possessions.

Should Nene miss any time, Drew Gooden could draw a start, as he did when Nene missed the season opener. Kris Humphries and Kevin Seraphin have also spent time at the four and could see an increase in playing time as a result.