When the Jazz v Nuggets series began, all the focus was on the key injuries the underdogs from Utah had that was supposed to due them in. Mehmet Okur ruptured his Achilles in Game 1 and AK-47 hasn’t even played in the series due to a reoccurring calf injury. Now everything is topsy-turvy and the Nuggets are the underdogs facing eliminating and have a key injury of their own as Nene will miss the rest of the playoffs with a possibly torn ACL.
The Nuggets’ starting center was injured in the second quarter and did not return. He likely won’t return for the remainder of the series with what Nuggets trainers called an injured left knee. A source familiar with the situation said the team is fearful Nene tore the ACL in his left knee.
Nene is scheduled for an MRI today, which will determine the severity of the injury. Given some of the preliminary tests done Wednesday night, it is not expected to provide good news.
Even with a healthy Nene, I still think the Jazz are prime to move on to the second round of the playoffs due to the let down style of play Denver has become accustom too, since George Karl left the team for cancer treatment. Game 6 goes down in Utah Friday.
H/N Denver Post
