Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid will play against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday after missing nine consecutive games. The Sixers center has been cleared to play by a specialist.

Embiid had surgery to address a torn radial collateral ligament in the fourth metacarpal in his left hand.

Via Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice:

Joel Embiid will make his return to the floor against the Golden State Warriors after being cleared to play by a specialist on Tuesday evening. His return to play comes two-and-a-half weeks following surgery to repair a torn radial collateral ligament in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand.

He is expected to have to wear a wrap/cast on the hand in order to play.

In 31 games this season for the Sixers, Embiid is averaging 23.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He’s shooting 47.2 percent from the field, 32.2 percent from beyond the arc and 83.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Last week, Embiid was named an Eastern Conference starter for the All-Star Game, which will take place in February in Chicago.

The Sixers will be in the market for perimeter shooting threats with playmaking ability with the NBA trade deadline looming. The team needs more shooters around Embiid and Ben Simmons.