Embiid scores 34 points in return, helping the 76ers beat the Hornets 108-98

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid reacts after being fouled during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, left, tries to pass against Charlotte Hornets’ Nick Richards during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid walks the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges, left, tries to get away from Philadelphia 76ers’ KJ Martin during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Charlotte Hornets’ Nick Richards, left, reaches for a rebound over Philadelphia 76ers’ KJ Martin during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Guerschon Yabusele, left, and Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges reach for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. tumbles after being fouled during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Charlotte Hornets’ Cody Martin goes up for a dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul George (8) reaches for a rebound against Charlotte Hornets’ Nick Richards (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Guerschon Yabusele, left, goes up for a shot against Charlotte Hornets’ Nick Richards during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had 34 points and nine assists after missing a game because of a sinus fracture, helping the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Charlotte Hornets 108-98 on Friday night.

Wearing a protective “ Phantom of the Opera ” mask, Embiid was introduced to a roaring ovation.

Embiid scored 22 points in the first three quarters to lead the 76ers to their fourth win in five games. Philadelphia is still well under .500 at 9-16 but a recent hot streak has it at least within striking distance of a play-in tournament berth.

Embiid has been ravaged by injuries this season and has only played in seven games, mostly due to knee soreness.

Vasilije Micic led the Hornets with 20 points. They lost their fourth straight game and have lost for the 12th time in 13 games.

Takeaways

Charlotte: LaMelo Ball sat out as the Hornets manage his injured left calf. The Hornets are being cautious with how they handle Ball, who had 34 points and 13 assists a night earlier in a loss at Washington.

76ers: Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points and Paul George had five points and 10 rebounds. The heralded Big Three of All-Stars Embiid, Maxey and George started a game together for only the fourth time this season.

Key moment

The 76ers went wild in the first quarter. Maxey hit four 3s and the 76ers shot 56% overall from the floor to race to an 18-point lead.

Key stat

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 22 points for Philadelphia. He combined with Maxey to hit eight of the 76ers’ 12 3-pointers.

Up next

Charlotte hosts Houston on Monday, while the 76ers play Saturday at Cleveland.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA