Denver Nuggets power forward Nene is expected to miss up to six weeks because of a torn ligament in his left thumb.
Nene was injured in Denver's 119-93 loss at Boston on Wednesday night. He saw a hand specialist in Denver on Thursday, and the team said Dr. Carlton Clinkscale will operate on the thumb Friday.
The Nuggets, who have lost three straight games, have been hit hard by injuries for the third straight season.