Nene out of Rockets' NBA playoff push
Houston Rockets forward Nene has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after suffering a torn thigh muscle, the team confirmed on Monday.
The 34-year-old Brazilian was injured in the first quarter of Sunday's Game 4 win over the San Antonio Spurs, hobbling off after just two minutes.
"The Rockets medical staff is currently reviewing treatment options," the team said in a statement.
Nene's absence is a blow to the Rockets as they prepare for Tuesday's Game 5 with the series finely balanced at 2-2.
The 6ft 11in (2.1 meter) forward has averaged 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during the playoffs.
Nene joined the Rockets last year after a four-year stint with the Washington Wizards which followed a decade with the Denver Nuggets.