PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid had 34 points and nine assists after missing a game with a sinus fracture, helping the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.

Embiid wore a protective Phantom of the Opera mask and was greeted with a thunderous 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 winning streak has put it at least within striking distance of a play-in tournament berth.

Embiid has been plagued by injuries this season, playing in just seven games, mostly due to knee soreness.

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

Charlotte: LaMelo Ball sat out while the Hornets treated his injured left calf. The Hornets are cautious in handling Ball, who had 34 points and 13 assists in a loss at Washington the night before.

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

The 76ers raged in the first quarter. Maxey hit four three-pointers and the 76ers shot 56 percent overall from the floor to build an 18-point lead.

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 22 points for Philadelphia. In combination with Maxey, he scored eight of the 76ers’ twelve three-pointers.

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