Nene to play vs. Argentina

Written by Jeff Garcia on Tuesday, 07 August 2012 16:00.

Team Brazil is perhaps the one team flying under the radar in this 2012 Olympic basketball tournament. With all eyes on Team U.S.A., Spain, France and Argentina, quietly, Team Brazil has put together a 4-1 record heading into the quarterfinals including an upset win over Spain. And they got the win against Spain without big man Nene.

Nene sat out of Brazil's win over Spain after dealing with soreness in his left foot and is expected to play versus rival Argentina tomorrow in quarterfinal action.

After playing his first game in London, Nene said the plantar fasciitis that bothered him shortly after he joined the Wizards at the trade deadline had flared up again.

Nene is averaging 6.5 points and 7.0 rebounds for Brazil and the team will definitely need him against Argentina. Argentina is a veteran laden team but do not have much depth at size. With Nene, Tiago Splitter, and Anderson Varejao making a formidable frontcourt, this could prove trouble for Argentina in tomorrow's matchup. Not to mention Brazil is slotted in the same bracket with Team U.S.A. - a team with not much size. Something Brazil can exploit with Nene back in action should the two teams meet down the road.