WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Washington Wizards center Nene will be sidelined for six weeks for a sprained knee ligament, the NBA team said Monday.

The Wizards announced the results of an MRI exam on Monday, a day after Nene was injured in a 96-83 victory over the Cavaliers in Cleveland.

The injury cast shadow to Wizards' pursuit of playoff as the franchise are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.

Nene was apparently hurt midway through the third quarter, limping as he attempted to get back down the court on defense after colliding with Cavaliers guard Jarrett Jack.

The 31-year-old, in his 12th NBA season, has appeared in 49 games this season, 37 of them as a starter.

He is averaging 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game.