Why is Joel Embiid wearning a mask? Looking at 76ers star's comeback game from injury & more

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is set to return on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets after missing one game. The big man will wear a mask ahead of their game as he suffered a right sinus fracture against the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 13. Fortunately for the Sixers, Embiid wasn't sidelined for too long.

The Sixers reported that the 2023 MVP will wear a mask against the Hornets. The mask will protect the star's face from further damage and keep him healthy on the court.

The big man has had an up-and-down season with the Sixers, dealing with injuries and criticism. He missed the first nine games as the team was managing his right knee injury in the first six games of the 2024-25 NBA season. He was suspended for the next three games after getting into an altercation with a columnist.

Embiid has played six games this season averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists.