The Nuggets wouldn't comment further on what was wrong with Nene, who missed 22 games earlier this season after surgery on his left thumb.
"I'm very upset that I have to put a little delay on being with the team to take care of my health," Nene said in a statement. "It's hard to go through when things seem to be going so well. ... I want to get back on the court as soon as possible to help my teammates."
The news of his absence arrived 30 minutes before the Nuggets hosted the Orlando Magic.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Nene and his family," Nuggets coach George Karl said in a statement.
Nene is averaging 6.4 in both points and rebounds this season.
