Nene was in Denver for almost 10 years as he averaged 12.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Going into a shortened training camp with the lockout last year, Nene re-signed with the Nuggets for $67 million over five years. The deal looked to make Nene a Nugget for the majority of his career — if not his entire career. Nene struggled to come back from his ankle injuries quickly enough and battled inconsistencies. In a surprising deal, the Nuggets traded the newly extended Nene to the Washington Wizards and acquired Javale McGee in a three-team deal.

Jan 16, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Washington Wizards center Nene (42) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings power forward Chuck Hayes (42) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Washington Wizards 95-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Nene went on record of saying that he was hurt at the time of the trade, but looking back, he understands why they made the move. The Nuggets were able to get the younger McGee – which they signed to a four-year deal worth $44 million in the offseason – and it allowed the offense to open up.

The Denver Post reported that Nene’s former teammates greeted him as the Wizards practiced in the Nuggets practice facility. Nene told the Washington Post that he’s looking forward to facing his former team 10 months after being traded.

“Definitely going to be emotion. Play here almost 10 years. For sure,” said Nene to the Washington Post. “I’m going to try to have fun, enjoy the game and play hard.”

Look for the 30-year-old Nene, who is averaging 12.3 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Wizards in 23 games, to come out energized and play with a chip on his shoulder. The Wizards are winners of three out of their past four games since the return of John Wall.

Despite the Wizards having just one win away from home and the Nuggets losing only twice on their home court, if ever there was a trap game for the Nuggets, this is it.

Jan 20, 2012; Washington , DC, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Chris Singleton (31) during the second half at the Verizon Center. The Nuggets defeated the Wizards 108 – 104. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Denver is looking at another long stand at home, a place they’ve been very good at this season. Washington has only won one game on the road this season. Denver is hoping that their stars get back on track after struggling a bit against the Western Conference leading OKC Thunder. The Wizards will have their hands full with Denver’s guards. Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari are playing great as of late, while Iguodala is well due for a break out game. Kenneth Faried is still playing at a high level, as is center Kosta Koufos. Strong bench play from Corey Brewer, Andre Miller and Wilson Chandler will also likely fuel the Nuggets high-powered offense.

For the Wizards, they’re hoping former Nugget Nene can come up big for them. It’s only logical that he will want to play well against his former team. and with guard Jordan Crawford banged up, the Wizards will look to their frontcourt for help. With veterans like Emeka Okafor, Nene, and Trevor Ariza, Washington could look to pound the ball inside. It’ll be hard to take it to Denver’s frontcourt who are one of the tops in rebounding.

Stat to Watch: Rebounding

Denver is 2nd in the league crashing the boards, averaging 45.9 per game. Washington is 6th in the league, posting 43.7 per game. Faried is leading the Nuggets, pulling down 10.0 per game while Okafor is leading Washington with 7.5 per game. It’ll be fun to watch these teams bang under the basket.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MST (9:00 ET) at the Pepsi Center in Denver.