Philadelphia 76ers teammates Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were ruled out from the All-Star Game in Atlanta after contacting a hairdresser who tested positive for the coronavirus, the NBA confirmed.
The league will not replace new players for the 76ers duo. Sixers coach Doc Rivers said it “doesn’t look too good” for one of them to play Sunday night. Zion Williamson will replace Embiid as the starter for Team LeBron.
Both Embiid and Simmons flew in private jets to Atlanta on Saturday night and remained in quarantine, which was the protocol of all All-Star participants.
The NBA feared an outbreak involving the league’s top players in Atlanta and took important precautions to isolate those coming in and out. However, there is nothing else to do with Embiid and Simmons.