WASHINGTON - Milwaukee Bucks forward Yi Jianlian, one of China's key players for the Beijing Olympics, suffered an apparent left knee injury here Wednesday in a National Basketball Association game.

Yi had played only six minutes against the Washington Wizards before he limped off the court with assistance three minutes into the second quarter. He had no points and only one shot in six minutes of action.

Yi had signaled for a timeout moments before play was halted, appearing to sense something was wrong. Once helped to the sidelines, he sat on the floor and a trainer examined his right knee before helping Yi to the locker room.

The 20-year-old from Shenzhen was sidelined for six games last month by a right wrist sprain and a left ankle sprain.

The latest injury comes barely four months before the Olympics, where Yi and NBA superstar center Yao Ming will be counted upon to lead China's quest for a top-seven finish that would be the nation's best in global competition.

Yao will miss the remainder of the Houston Rockets' season after suffering a broken foot but is expected back for the Beijing Olympics.