Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against Charlotte Hornets? Latest injury update for 2023 NBA MVP (Dec. 20)

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is returning to action in Friday's clash against the Charlotte Hornets. The 2023 NBA MVP was on the injury report but has been upgraded to available after being listed as questionable. Embiid will take the court wearing a mask after suffering a sinus fracture.

He suffered a sinus fracture against the Indiana Pacers in the Dec. 13 121-107 loss. At the first half's end, Embiid was inadvertently hit by Bennedict Mathurin in the face, leading to his injury. He was initially expected to be ruled out.

However, the injury isn't as serious as Joel Embiid's previous facial injuries. Moreover, the Sixers are playing in a back-to-back set, hosting the Hornets first and playing the Cavaliers away on Sunday.

Their chances of winning against Charlotte appear better, and it seems like they are capitalizing on it by playing Embiid in that contest over Sunday's skirmish against the league-best Cavaliers.

Joel Embiid Stats vs. Charlotte Hornets

Joel Embiid has had near-flawless performances over the years against the Charlotte Hornets. He has averaged 30.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 blocks, shooting 58.1%, including a respectable 34.5% from 3 and 83.2% from the free-throw line. He's lost just one out of 19 games.

With the Hornets playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Sixers should get another win with or without Embiid. In their last meeting against Charlotte on Monday, the Embiid-less Sixers won 121-108 behind a 40-point outing from Tyrese Maxey and a 33-point effort from Paul George.

Where to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers game?

FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast and NBC Sports Philadelphia will provide local coverage of the Charlotte Hornets-Philadelphia 76ers game. Viewers outside the two local regions and U.S. can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m. The Sixers are up 3-0 in their season series against the Hornets.