Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard has been rehabbing from back surgery in Atlanta, and the team is hoping to get a better idea of how his recovery is going after the All-Star break.

Dwight Howard underwent surgery on his lower back on Nov. 30. The eight-time All-Star has only played in nine games this season for the Wizards.

Before having the surgery, Dwight Howard was averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The 33-year-old was shooting 62.3 percent from the field and 60.4 percent from the free-throw line.

After getting traded by the Charlotte Hornets to the Brooklyn Nets and then reaching a buyout agreement with the Nets, Dwight Howard signed a two-year, $10.9 million contract with the Wizards last summer. He missed the entire preseason and the first seven games of the season because of pain in his back.

The November surgery was the second procedure Howard has had on his back. The first one took place in 2013. No one knows if the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is going to play again this season, but Washington is holding out hope.

The Wizards are 21-28 on the season entering Monday, good for 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. John Wall is already out for the season after undergoing season-ending left heel surgery.