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In the wake of the NBA All-Star game on Sunday night, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will replace Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid in the starting lineup. Due to contact tracing, both Embiid and Ben Simmons are listed out for the game.
Zion Williamson will replace Joel Embiid as a starter on Team Durant, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021
Both Embiid and Simmons were in contact with a barber who tested positive before landing in Atlanta. The decision by the NBA was to ensure that other participants were not exposed and listed out for the activities. The NBA had announced that they have no plans of replacing both Embiid and Simmons.
At this late hour, there are no plans to replace Embiid and Simmons in the All-Star Game, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021
Embiid’s absence gives sophomore sensation Zion Williamson an opportunity to play at the center position for Team Durant. Williamson is having a historic season by averaging 25.6 points per game on 61% shooting from the floor.
His field goal percentage is ranked in the top five for players this season. Williamson has continued to provide energy and lead the way for New Orleans this season. His versatility on the floor has been eye-opening for many fans this season. His high-flying heroics will allow the all-star game to become more intriguing to the NBA viewers.
The unfortunate situation for Embiid and Simmons may possibly lead to missing significant time for the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid has continued his MVP caliber season, leading the Sixers to the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. Simmons also continues to become a leading candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. As the two were deserving of their respective all-star spots, hopefully, they do not have to begin the second half of the season absent from their team.
